Toll roads in Ukraine: current realities and international management experience

Abstract

The paper is devoted to the analysis of the current situation with toll roads, which are built on the basis of concession agreements in Ukraine, as well as prospects for increasing the number of quality roads with toll roads, which, in turn, attract investors. The paper examines the main conditions for the construction of new roads (reasonable establishment of time parameters of construction, financial support, in particular with the involvement of national and foreign investments, monitoring compliance with quality standards of construction, etc.); features of formation of payment for use of public roads on the terms of concession. It is also traced what are the problematic aspects of the construction of toll roads in Ukraine in modern economic realities. To find ways to solve the identified problems, an analysis of the construction of toll roads on the basis of concessions in some foreign countries. Two systems for payment of toll plots used by leading European countries are analyzed, thus providing themselves with the highest rating indicators on road quality. As a result, the advantages of using European methods of financing road construction were assessed and conclusions were made on the prospects for the implementation of toll plots in Ukraine. Special attention is also paid to the condition of roads and possible ways of financing. In the course of the research it was clear that one of the most effective methods of raising funds is to improve the legal framework for the construction of roads under concession conditions and to improve and enhance the financial attractiveness of toll road projects in Ukraine. Some of the legislation has been significantly improved since 2018, the paper refers to many regulations governing the construction of public roads. The paper shows some excerpts from the legislation on the maximum fee for the use of toll public roads on the basis of concession agreements. It is also indicated which areas on the territory of Ukraine may be paid and some list of vehicles that can move freely on the territory without paying for travel. Also, based on all the data of the paper, a general conclusion is made about the feasibility and effectiveness of the concession for financing.