Denmark’s Satellite HGV Tolling System Champions Fairness and Sustainability
Denmark has made a decisive shift in how it manages heavy goods vehicle (HGV) tolls, replacing the outdated Eurovignette with a kilometre- and CO₂-based charging model. The new KmToll system uses advanced satellite technology to track exact routes and calculate charges with precision. This change marks a significant milestone in Europe’s push towards fairer, more sustainable transport infrastructure.
From January 2025, all heavy commercial vehicles over 12 tonnes are required to use the system, which in its initial phase covers 10,900 kilometres of road and all environmental zones. By 2028, the plan is to extend coverage to Denmark’s entire public road network—about 75,000 kilometres.
The Technology Behind KmToll
At the heart of the KmToll system is Kapsch TrafficCom’s TÜV-certified on-board unit (OBU) 5310-22A, supplied via Danish partner Brobizz. Compact, lightweight, and environmentally friendly, the OBU records GNSS-based location data and transmits it to a secure platform for processing. The device also supports shortwave-based tolling, enabling interoperability across multiple countries.
Carolin Treichl, EVP EMEA at Kapsch TrafficCom, expressed pride in the collaboration: “We are very proud that our partner Brobizz relies on our technology. Our solution is designed for precision, flexibility and environmental friendliness and integrates seamlessly with the systems of our partners.”
Kapsch’s platform processes satellite data, calculates charges, and allows remote configuration of OBUs. It also offers diagnostic tools, repair services, and asset management. This streamlined approach reduces the need for roadside infrastructure, lowering both operational costs and environmental impact.
Why Satellite Tolling Changes the Game
Unlike the Eurovignette, which charged a fixed rate regardless of usage, KmToll bills operators for the exact distance travelled. Lower-emission vehicles benefit from reduced rates, incentivising the use of cleaner technologies.
Satellite-based tolling offers several advantages:
- Precision – Charges match the exact kilometres driven.
- Fairness – High-mileage users pay proportionally more.
- Lower infrastructure demands – Fewer gantries and toll booths are needed.
- Scalability – Easy expansion to new areas without costly physical upgrades.
For policymakers, it’s a powerful tool for aligning road usage charges with climate targets. For operators, it brings transparency and predictability to cost management.
Denmark’s Local Partner
Brobizz plays a central role in implementing KmToll. Best known for its tolling solutions across Denmark and the Nordics, Brobizz offers both physical OBUs and a mobile app for payment management. Its involvement ensures the system integrates smoothly with existing regional tolling frameworks, offering a consistent experience for hauliers travelling across borders.
Scaling for the Future
The Danish government’s staged rollout reflects a balance between operational readiness and strategic ambition. Initial focus on high-traffic routes and environmental zones allows for fine-tuning before full national deployment in 2028.
For construction and infrastructure professionals, this model could serve as a blueprint for other countries. By minimising physical infrastructure, governments can focus investment on digital systems and maintenance, rather than new build projects.
A Global Tolling Leader
Headquartered in Vienna and operating in more than 25 countries, Kapsch TrafficCom has a track record of delivering sustainable transport solutions. With over 3,000 employees, the company generated revenues of €530 million in the 2024/25 financial year. While overall revenue dipped slightly, the tolling segment grew, underlining demand for innovative road-user charging systems.
Kapsch’s portfolio spans tolling, traffic management, and intelligent mobility solutions. Its approach covers the entire project lifecycle—from hardware and software development to deployment and long-term operation.
Benefits for Industry and Policy
The implications of Denmark’s KmToll system reach beyond haulage:
- Construction sector – Reduced need for large-scale roadside structures could shift resources towards digital infrastructure.
- Policy frameworks – Integrating emissions into toll calculations directly supports environmental targets.
- Investment opportunities – Scalable, tech-driven models appeal to investors seeking infrastructure projects with predictable returns.
A Model for Sustainable Road Use
By marrying precision billing with environmental incentives, Denmark has created a tolling framework that’s as much about future-proofing as it is about fairness. The system rewards cleaner fleets, uses resources efficiently, and can be scaled or adapted for other markets.
For stakeholders—from hauliers to policymakers—the KmToll rollout is more than a local initiative. It’s a demonstration of how digital transformation in transport can drive both economic efficiency and environmental responsibility.
