As the first anniversary of the free status of Spain’s four major motorways approaches and four years pass since the commitment not to renew the tolls concession on AP7, AP2, C32, and C33, the government remains unsure about who will fund road maintenance. This stance was made clear this week by the Minister of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda, Raquel Sánchez, in an interview on Radio Catalunya. She noted that preserving the current model is not an option, yet admitted that the country has not found a viable alternative, despite months of discussion.
In another interview on Catalunya Ràdio, Sánchez stated that Spain will not reimpose tolls on its highways. The government aims to build a consensus among autonomous communities and carriers to establish a maintenance framework for these roads that aligns with practices seen across Europe. The goal is a system that keeps roads in good condition while properly financing their upkeep.
She described the objective as creating a fair and balanced model. The model should enable sustained maintenance and funding in harmony with European strategies. While a pay per use or toll-like approach was offered as a concrete example, no specific plan was detailed. The project is under study, with assurances that it will require the backing and agreement of relevant administrations and the sectors most affected, while also recognizing the region’s diversity. It is evident from the minister’s remarks that returning to the current toll scheme is not on the table.
Gas discount
On another front, the head of Transport left open the possibility of extending the 20-cent bonus for every liter of fuel purchased at a gas station beyond December 31. The intention is to assess the measure’s effectiveness as that date approaches and determine whether to broaden it or transform it into another structured policy. The minister indicated a review would be conducted to decide the next steps.
Regarding Trànsit’s suggestion to curb speed on certain segments of the AP7, the proposal remains tentative but not dismissed. The minister indicated that the ministry did not receive this request as of now, but that it would be analyzed if it arrives. Any measures that could improve road function will be considered, though traffic competence lies with the Generalitat and local authorities. These discussions reflect an ongoing effort to balance road safety, efficiency, and regional autonomy while maintaining a unified national approach to road funding and management.