This is a measure that has been talked about since its introduction almost twenty years ago. In 2006, Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin approved the government’s decision to privatize French highways.. At that time, it was about ensuring the long-term maintenance and proper functioning of many highways, which were too expensive for the state. The unofficial reason was permission keep the government deficit below 3%as the Government promised then.
At that time, France had three concessionary highway networks, which therefore belonged to the state. From the total number out of eighteen potential takeover candidates, two French and Spanish tenders were won. from, Vinci manages (among others) the former Autoroutes du Sud de la France (ASF). Eifage manages the Autoroutes Paris-Rhin-Rhône (APRR) network. And at last managed by the Spaniard Albertis Company of Motorways of the North and East of France (SANEF).
Road companies are much more profitable than expected
The conditions agreed at that time with the state were based on profitability of the system until 2032. It was a matter of joint agreement with the state to raise the duty rates every year allow cost/income balance for the time being. But some road companies have concessions turned out to be more profitable than expected and, above all, earlier. During a meeting before the Finance and Sustainable Development Committees of the Assembly, Bruno Le Maire admitted that the calculations made during the privatization of the motorways in 2006 were incorrect.. As interest rates plummeted, concessionaires such as Vinci, Eiffage and Albertis were able to recoup their investments at a lower cost, boosting their profitability. “We were wrong” thus recognized the Minister of Economy and Finance.
No impact on motorists
To calm the ardor of these profit-hungry companies (in 2021, a net result of 3.9 billion was recorded), the Government decided introduce a tax on them from 2024. Officially to finance ecological transition and railway infrastructure. Unofficially for restore justice for motorists which suffer from increasingly brazen toll pricing policies. The transport minister, Clément Beaune, sought reassurance in his latest press appearances. He claims that this tax will not affect end customers. According to him, the fare is stipulated by long-term contracts. We will check it all 1Er next February when it takes place annual indexation of toll rates.
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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.