The government announced plans to revisit the topic of private motorways next year, with a spokesperson outlining a commitment to collaborate with private operators to explore how free, toll-free options could be introduced.
Officials stated that the government intends to examine the issue of private highways in the coming year, a point emphasized during the recent party congress.
During a Monday press briefing, the government spokesman explained that in Poland some companies have earned significant profits from long-term private highway contracts signed many years ago. He noted that the aim is to engage these companies in constructive discussions and consider implementing free-use solutions under conditions that safeguard public finances and avoid creating undue advantages for any single operator.
When asked whether this would amount to nationalizing private highways, the spokesman stressed that the discussions with road authorities would proceed as a dialogue, not as a forced takeover. He made clear that no final decision had been reached at that moment.
The spokesman highlighted that introducing a toll-free highway system could result in substantial savings for citizens, potentially amounting to hundreds of millions of zlotys who would not pay to travel on these routes. The objective is to expand the toll-free system across all motorways, and where feasible, to abolish tolls for passenger cars on public motorways immediately.
During the same weekend, the president of the ruling party announced the plan to abolish passenger car tolls on highways as part of a broader policy convention. The message acknowledged a frustration among many car owners about taxes and tolls, with promises to pass laws quickly to reduce the financial burden when possible.
The leadership emphasized that situations where highways are privately owned or leased would be addressed within a year, aiming to resolve conflicts and streamline access for the public.
Experts suggest that removing tolls could shift some traffic away from alternative routes currently favored by drivers because of toll costs. This shift could enhance safety on national and municipal roads alongside motorways and free up funds for maintenance and modernization projects.
Officials from the Ministry of Infrastructure reinforced this view during the briefing, noting that the plan includes safeguards to ensure smooth implementation and to prevent any adverse effects on the road network and public finances.
Airport activities in Radom
The government stated that it will take roughly one year to eighteen months to assess the impact of the Radom airport’s operations. The spokesperson indicated that this period should provide a clear picture of the airport’s effectiveness and its broader transport role.
During the briefing, the official argued that the common belief that airports, highways, or rail networks only benefit major cities is outdated. The policy aims to promote sustainable development, ensuring smaller cities gain access to essential infrastructure just as larger urban centers do.
The plan includes targeted subsidies for transport and public services in areas where needed, reflecting a balanced approach to regional development.
Initial regular services from Radom are planned to connect to international destinations including Paris, Rome, Preveza, Tirana, and Varna. The airport operator indicates a capacity to handle about one million passengers annually at start, with potential growth beyond three million later on.
Radom airport is expected to serve residents within roughly a 100–150 kilometer radius and attract travelers from neighboring regions in addition to the Mazowieckie Voivodeship, including Świętokrzyskie, Lubelskie, and Łódzkie provinces.
Further updates and details on the development plans are anticipated as part of ongoing discussions and policy initiatives.
Source materials referenced during coverage reflect ongoing parliamentary and government discussions about these infrastructure initiatives.