Ukraine plans to pass legislation to introduce tolls on motorways by the end of 2027. This was announced by Serhiy Derkach, First Deputy Minister of Community and Territorial Development. According to him, the transition to the new system forms part of Ukraine’s European integration commitments. However, the passing of the law will not mean that all Ukrainian roads will immediately become toll roads.
- Ukraine plans to pass legislation on toll roads by the end of 2027.
- The tolling system will take into account the type of vehicle, its weight and the load on the roads.
- The introduction of the new rules does not mean that all Ukrainian motorways will become toll roads.
- For toll roads, the law provides for an alternative, toll-free route.
How toll roads will operate in Ukraine
The Ministry is considering the introduction of a tolling system under which the cost of using road infrastructure will depend on the category of vehicle, its weight and the load it places on the road surface. This approach is used in many European countries and involves separate payment mechanisms for different modes of transport.
Serhiy Derkach He had previously explained that this does not involve installing barriers on all roads. Ukraine needs to develop a legislative framework for a payment system that meets European requirements. At the same time, the specific mechanism for collecting fees, the list of roads and the tariffs still need to be determined.
One option involves engaging private investors in the construction and operation of individual motorways. In this case, tolls could be used to recoup the investment and to fund road repairs and maintenance.
Will car drivers have to pay?
Current Ukrainian legislation already provides for the possibility of establishing toll roads. However, there must be an alternative route available free of charge for such roads. A public road may only be designated as a toll road under conditions specified by law, in particular following significant improvements or the implementation of a relevant infrastructure project.
This means that the introduction of the new system does not entail automatic payment for travelling on all state roads. For car drivers, the conditions will depend on the chosen model and the specific road.
A separate system of charges is being considered for goods vehicles, which place a significantly greater strain on the road surface. No final decision has yet been reached regarding the rates, vehicle categories or the actual launch date of the tolling scheme.
When might the first toll roads appear in Ukraine?
Legislative changes are planned as part of the transport sector’s adaptation to European Union requirements. The Ministry is targeting the end of 2027 as the deadline for the adoption of the necessary regulations; however, time will then be needed to implement the system in practice.
Head of the State Agency for Reconstruction Sergey Sukhomlin He had previously suggested that the first concession roads would appear two or three years after the end of the war. According to him, the agency is working with the ministry on a model for attracting private investment into road infrastructure.
Consequently, the drafting of legislation and the actual introduction of fares remain separate stages. The government has not yet announced any specific dates for the launch of the first fare-paying routes.
