Slovakia to Take Full State Control of Highway Toll System, Ending Private Contract

Slovakia is ending its long-running private toll collection arrangement on its motorway network, with the state-owned National Motorway Company (NDS) set to take full control of the system starting next year. The NDS declined to exercise a contractual option that would have extended its partnership with SkyToll, a private company, through 2027, meaning toll collection from freight operators will be handled entirely in-house going forward. SkyToll has operated Slovakia's electronic toll system for heavy vehicles on motorways and expressways under a concession-style contract that has been a source of controversy over the years, with critics long questioning the cost and terms of the arrangement. The move to bring the system under direct state management represents a significant shift in how Slovakia administers its road infrastructure revenue, giving the government greater control over toll operations and eliminating fees paid to the private operator.