Polish government signals plan to halt tolls on major highways
During a radio interview, the Minister of Development and Technology outlined a plan to allow travel on Polish highways freely, without toll gates. The statement came as the government prepared to discuss a broader timetable for implementing proposals associated with President Jarosław Kaczyński and the ruling party.
The government team indicated that the initial step would be to eliminate tolls on all highways managed by the General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways. The timing would influence the total cost, with estimates running into several hundred million zlotys depending on when the change would begin. A July 1 start date was proposed, prompting the Prime Minister to set up another Council of Ministers meeting within the week to align the schedule with all proposals associated with President Kaczyński.
Officials also touched on tolls on roads operated by concessionaires, emphasizing a broader aim to address high highway costs in Poland. The A2 highway was singled out as particularly expensive, noted as one of Europe’s priciest toll routes.
During questions about private owners of sections such as a fragment of the A2, the Minister was asked to comment on a contract that has roots dating back to the era of former President Aleksander Kwaśniewski. He described the arrangement as problematic and spoke about the obligation to consider a path that reduces costs for the state while renegotiating terms with the private partner.
According to the minister, talks would focus on transferring certain fees away from motorists by taking them onto state accounts at reduced rates, with the aim of removing gates and related charges altogether.
In response to why a private company would agree to give up potential profits, the minister framed the issue as a public good, stressing the goal of lowering overall costs. He noted that toll collection and gate staffing add to expenses that could be eliminated.
Officials stated that costs should be cut and the minimum consistent payments preserved so that gates and fees do not persist in the future.
The minister outlined a path forward that requires negotiation with concessionaires to agree on rate structures and the legal framework needed to implement the changes. He projected that progress would come within a year, with the next vacation period as a milestone for results.
When asked whether people could expect to drive on toll-free highways next summer, the minister indicated that such a scenario was possible for routes toward major Western destinations, including Berlin, as well as other toll roads leading to Katowice and Kraków. He underscored the need to overcome barriers within a year, signaling a firm timetable for action.
On the question of what would happen if private firms resisted the changes, the minister mentioned a possible expropriation option for public purposes if negotiations failed. He reassured that motorists would not face new charges and that any use of compensation mechanisms would be managed within legal processes and with transparency.
The minister added that even in a longer timeline, settlements and compensation would not pose an alarming financial burden for the state. The discussions and plans were framed as a move toward a toll-free experience for Polish motorists on both public and concession-operated highways as part of a broader reform package.
During a convention, the leader of the governing party spoke about an agenda called the “Program of the Street,” highlighting the intent to abolish tolls for passenger cars on highways where possible. He noted concerns among car owners who rely on highways and emphasized that timely legislative action would be pursued to address these issues promptly. He also acknowledged that toll-free access would be extended to routes currently operated by private or leased arrangements, with a commitment to resolving such matters within a year.
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Mon/PAP