If you’ve gone on holiday this summer, you’ve probably noticed that motorway prices are still high. The bad news is, those rates may still be there revised upwards in 2023. A hot topic that the government is following very closely to avoid any social unrest.
Why could the cost of travel increase significantly in 2023?
The price of highways has increased by about 2% this year.. Price increase set by road companies and approved by the state. It had consequencesto increase the toll on the highway by about 7 cents in France. If growth manages to moderate in a strained context due to fuel prices, it could be much higher in 2023.
According to some data, we are talking about a growth of almost 8% on average for 2023. This is 4 times more than in 2022. This sharp increase in prices is explained by the inflation observed in France. But also because of the investments that road companies have to make. In particular, to replace damaged bitumen and outdated infrastructure.
The road companies would agree to offer this price increase, which is scheduled for February 1, 2023.
How is this increase calculated?
There is an increase in prices on the highway calculated according to inflation. The higher the inflation, the greater the growth. Because everything is more expensive, even for road users. This year, dealers promised an increase not higher than inflation. The latter for the whole of 2021 was 2.8%, so the state-confirmed amount is 2%.
But the situation may be more problematic next year, as inflation is getting higher and higher. 6.1% for the year last July according to INSEE data. And the road workers do not intend to donate this time. Because the maintenance of the network is becoming more and more expensive due to the increase in the price of raw materials. The Bank of France anticipates an increaseinflation up to 7% by 2023, so the figure set by the road companies involves an 8% increase in toll rates. Specifically, a a motorway journey that costs you €40 could cost you €43 in 2022 in 2023.
The government says it is closely monitoring the issue
This increase will complement the increase in fuel prices. An explosive cocktail that the government wants to avoid at all costs. In a recent interview with our JDD colleagues, Transport Minister Clément Bohn said he opposes such a high increase. “I’m very clear that it’s inconceivable to me that there will be a 7% or 8% increase next February.” This is explained by the Minister of Transport “in the contracts between the state and the road companies, there is an annual formula for revaluation of tolls, which is adopted in February and takes into account inflation”. A statement that, therefore, provides for a possible increase, but controlled and confirmed by the state.
Moreover, the government insists on this several actors made financial efforts to help the French. In particular, we are talking about such fuel distributors as Total, Leclerc, Casino and Carrefour. Thus, the state will be in favor of road companies also taking a step. A position confirmed by Clément Bohn, “The government has focused its efforts on fuel with a discount of 18 cents, which is valid until the fall. Bersi and I will gather all the players around the table to think about actions. It would be useful if the road companies took a step”.
A hot topic that is likely to fuel debate in the coming months.
Source: Auto Plus
Robert is an experienced journalist who has been covering the automobile industry for over a decade. He has a deep understanding of the latest technologies and trends in the industry and is known for his thorough and in-depth reporting.