The evaluation, prepared by Implement Consulting Group for Sund & Bælt, concludes that the toll system today generally registers journeys and calculates charges correctly. However, it also identifies several weaknesses that continue to affect transport operators’ day-to-day experience.
Denmark introduced its distance-based and CO₂-differentiated road toll for heavy goods vehicles on 1 January 2025, replacing the Eurovignette system. The evaluation confirms that the launch phase was marked by “teething problems”, but finds that these issues have largely been resolved.
According to the report, the underlying technical system for registering distance and billing hauliers is now considered stable, and the toll generally works as designed.
Fines remain the main point of conflict
Despite this technical stabilisation, the evaluation identifies fines as the single largest source of dissatisfaction among hauliers.
A key criticism is that the current penalty model does not sufficiently distinguish between deliberate non-compliance and unintentional errors, such as technical faults or administrative mistakes. As a result, operators can face the same fixed penalty regardless of the underlying cause.
The evaluation also notes that problems are often not visible to drivers or operators when they occur. Instead, errors may only become apparent when a fine is issued, typically days after the incident, limiting the ability to correct issues in real time.
Appeals and usability under scrutiny
Beyond the fines themselves, the evaluation highlights broader concerns around usability and transparency. Hauliers report difficulties understanding system status and a lack of timely feedback when something goes wrong.
The handling of objections and appeals against fines is also singled out as problematic. According to the evaluation, operators experience the complaints process as complex and resource-intensive, increasing administrative burdens — particularly for smaller haulage firms.
Legal disputes underline industry frustration
Outside the scope of the evaluation itself, disputes over fines have already escalated into legal action.
As previously reported by Trans.INFO, several Danish hauliers have refused to pay road toll fines and have been summoned to court, arguing that the fixed-penalty model breaches the EU principle of proportionality. Industry body International Transport Danmark (ITD) has supported affected companies and has filed a separate lawsuit against the Danish state challenging the legality of the fine regime.
Under the current system, every infringement — ranging from technical errors to unpaid tolls — results in the same penalty. The fine level was initially set at DKK 4,500 and was increased to DKK 9,000 per infringement from 1 July 2025, regardless of circumstances.
ITD argues that this approach fails to reflect the seriousness of individual offences and contrasts with systems in other EU countries, where penalties are graduated based on intent and severity.
Acceptance hinges on enforcement practice
While the evaluation confirms that Denmark’s truck toll now largely functions from a technical perspective, it also makes clear that acceptance among hauliers depends on more than accurate billing.
According to the report, clearer communication, faster error notification and a more workable approach to fines and appeals will be critical — particularly as the road toll is set to expand to a wider group of vehicles and roads in the coming years.
For many operators, the evaluation suggests the key question is no longer whether the system works, but whether it is enforced in a way that is predictable, proportionate and manageable in everyday operations.
