Tolls for trucks increase on roads in Spain and Italy
The Spanish region of Guipuzcoa has launched a toll for trucks, which has caused dissatisfaction on the part of carriers. The introduction of the new tariff means that their costs could increase by 1,500 euros per month.
Tolls are now levied on trucks that travel on highways N-1 and A-15, to move through which you need to pay about 15 euros. It should be noted that previously there were also different toll systems, but the current size is three times higher than the previous rates.
The provincial authorities have increased the kilometer for which you have to pay. Now the driver must pay for 49 kilometers if he drives on the road N-1, for the A-15 the figure is 28 kilometers. For heavy vehicles, the rate per kilometer is set at 0.28 euros. Drivers of trucks from 3.5 to 12 tons need to pay 0.22 euros per km. Thus, transport fees in the province are among the highest in the entire EU.
The Spanish region of Guipuzcoa had previously become notorious for the scandal of the previous system of tolls for traveling on local roads. During the trial, it was declared invalid. The reason was that the system was aimed primarily at charging those carriers who make international trips. While local drivers did not pay the fees. As a result, the past system was discontinued in 2021, but the new one has caused just as much outrage because of its high fares. Many companies fear that they will have to close their business because the costs will increase significantly, which against the background of rising fuel prices will lead to unprofitability.
In Italy, fares have also been revised. Here, the local management company Autostrade per l’Italia plans to raise fees again in the second half of 2023. The first increase of 2% occurred at the beginning of the year, and the next should be 1.34%.
The company manages more than 3,000 kilometers of roads across the country. This increase will be the first in Italy in the last three years.
According to the Italian Transport Portal, other highways operated by local companies may also be affected by the toll increase in the future. For now, however, they are only updating the economic plan, and no fare revisions have been reported. At the same time, experts expect that after the officially approved plans, the number of operators will increase. Carriers can only prepare for higher costs and look for an option to optimize current processes.
