The arrival of the new year brought not exactly pleasant news for millions of Italians. Among the various unpleasant things, there is certainly the increase in the prices of the various motorway tolls. But why is this happening? Let’s find out all the details on this situation, analyzing how much a trip on the motorway will cost you from today. Here’s what you need to know.
Traveling on the highway is, obviously, the fastest way to move from one part of our country to another by car. However, motorists often complain about the presence of too many road construction sites to travel the motorway remains the most practical solution for travelling.
Unfortunately, however, 2023 was the bearer of news that is not pleasing millions of Italian motorists at all. Indeed, the legislative provision that had blocked the increase in the price of tolls on the motorway has expired. Italians will therefore pay more at the tollbooth starting from these hours.
This news follows the other blow that we have all suffered since January 1st, namely the increase in the price per liter of fuel. In fact, with the arrival of 2023, the cut in excise duties on the cost of petrol and diesel has not been extended. Overnight, the price went up about 18 cents a liter.
But what is the reason for the increase in tolls on the motorway? How much more will motorists pay on our country’s roads? Here’s everything you need to know about this situation.
The increase in motorway tolls: here’s everything you need to know on this topic
Until 31 December 2022, the increase in motorway tolls had been blocked by the Italian government. In fact, the 2017 rates have been guaranteed. But the situation has changed a few days ago. A real blow to millions of Italian motorists, engaged daily on the highways of our country.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Matteo Salvini, tried to turn off the criticism of this movewith these words: “We have avoided an increase of almost 5%. In our country, the increases on the affected sections are lower than inflation”.
The various tolls on the stretches of road managed by the Autostrade per l’Italia company increased by 2% starting from 1 January. But that’s not all. In fact, a note from the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure underlines how from July 1st there will be a further increase. It will stand on the1.34%. The Italians, therefore, are already warned.
Autostrade per L’Italia owns around 50% of the Italian toll network. This thing is always worth remembering. Thus, only half of the various motorway sections will be affected by these heavy toll increases. The remaining 50%, therefore, will not be affected by these heavy toll increases.
Furthermore, it was confirmed by the Ministry on block on increases with regard to some specific sections of the motorway. We refer to the two highways A24 and A25. Indeed, meetings are also underway to try to reduce the cost of tolls for these motorways.
Despite the price increases, there is news which, however, could mitigate the resentment of millions of Italians. Indeed, motorway toll increases are significantly lower than in other European countries. In France, the price increases, in fact, amounted to 4.7%. In Spain, however, they are 4%. The problem of price increases, on the other hand, is not present in Germany, Belgium, Holland and some Scandinavian countries. Here, in fact, the highways are always free.
