Taking place on 3-4 March at the Steigenberger Wiltcher’s in Brussels, Belgium, the 23rd annual Road User Charging Conference will explore the latest advancements in user-financed transportation.

The prestigious two-day event gathers industry leaders, policymakers and innovators from around the world.

It serves as a vital forum for discussions, knowledge exchange and peer learning on best practices for planning, financing, implementing, operating and maintaining tolling, road usage charging and mobility pricing schemes across motorways, highways and urban areas.

One of the experts confirmed to speak at the event is Ondrej Chvála, enforcement solutions lead at SkyToll.

Chvála leads strategic initiatives within the enforcement domain related to observation, incident detection and its processing, enforcement technologies, mobility solutions, operational excellence, and innovation.

With a strong background in consulting and system integration, he ensures intelligent traffic solutions meet demanding user and regulatory requirements. His expertise spans requirement analysis, architecture design, and SLA definition, enabling scalable deployments across diverse environments.

Chvála collaborates closely with stakeholders to align technical execution with expectations and ensure continuous improvement of existing ITIS holding systems. His approach blends deep technical insight with a commitment to service quality, long-term sustainability, and cross-functional collaboration. 

Name: Ondrej Chvála 

Job Role: Enforcement Solutions Lead

Organisation: SkyToll

What is the best aspect of your job?
The best thing, and what makes my job exciting, is working in a constantly evolving environment where technology, regulation, and mobility trends shift rapidly. I personally enjoy turning these challenges into opportunities by shaping solutions that are efficient while delivering a high standard of user experience, even as the rules of the game evolve. 

What is the biggest challenge facing those with responsibility for user-financed transportation in 2026?
The core challenge is public acceptance which ultimately rests on three principles that must be designed in from the start. Equality: toll fees should not eliminate poor mobility; awareness: the benefits of tolling should be explained to the public for wider public acceptance; and transparency: tolls collected should create funds for improving transportation infrastructure and it should be spent transparently on infrastructure projects. 

What’s your best piece of advice for those looking to implement user-financed transportation solutions?
Success starts long before the first toll is collected: clear communication, simplicity, and user trust are key. Do not underestimate a well-managed and communicated campaign introducing the toll system. Simplicity and excellent user experience in every step of toll collection process is a game changer. Reward those who pay toll by improved services during their travels. Rest stations, no congestion, improved safety measures 

Does legislation help or hinder development in the sector?
Legislation can either help or hinder depending on its content and context. Well-crafted legislation, such as the European Union's directives on road charging, provides a clear framework and encourages the development of interoperable systems that follow principles like "user pays" and "polluter pays."  Conversely, outdated laws or conflicting legal interpretations, like those seen in some Australian states, can block the adoption of new, innovative charging schemes. The key is to have laws that facilitate reform and allow for greater use of user fees, while also updating old regulations that may get in the way. 

How will the business of user-financed transportation have changed by 2030?
By 2030, the business of user-financed transportation is predicted to be a mainstream and widely adopted solution. As the success of various road pricing schemes becomes more apparent, their implementation is expected to accelerate. It is anticipated that real-time, network-wide road pricing will become the norm. This evolution will be driven by the increasing number of electric vehicles on the road, which will lead to a significant decline in fuel tax revenue. The industry will shift its focus from a flat-rate tax to a system that charges users based on factors like distance, time of travel, and vehicle type, leveraging technology to create a more efficient, equitable, and sustainable funding model for transportation infrastructure. 

Why are you looking forward to speaking at Road User Charging Conference 2026?
I’m excited to speak at the Road User Charging Conference 2026 because it’s a great opportunity to share practical insights from our journey and demonstrate how our solutions can add value to the industry. It’s also an excellent chance to connect with key stakeholders, exchange ideas, and learn from regional experiences. I look forward to collaborating on future projects that drive innovation and improve user-centric tolling.