Mobilization Against the Huerna and AP-9 Tolls Spurs Action in Northern Spain

Rise of the Movement Against Tolls in Northern Spain

A significant wave of public and transport sector action is building up in Northern Spain, specifically targeting the toll charges on the Huerna route (also known as AP-66) and the AP-9 highway in Galicia. These tolls have been at the heart of controversy following their declaration as illegal by the European Commission as far back as 2021. The momentum culminates in a major public demonstration taking place in Oviedo, motivated by the disparities and disadvantages these tolls impose on local communities and businesses.

The Backdrop: Why the Toll Issue Matters

The AP-66, forging a critical artery linking Asturias with the Spanish Meseta, has become infamous for its steep charges and prolonged toll duration. Transport companies, workers, and daily commuters find themselves squeezed by high fees that feel like a thick fog over the region’s economic prospects. The toll acts less as a passage and more as an economic barrier, stalling regional growth and straining logistics operations.

The impacts are widespread:

Transport Operators and Businesses: These groups bear the brunt of excessive costs, undermining their competitiveness and inflating logistics expenses that ripple through their supply chains.
Local Citizens: Everyday travel, work commutes, and access to essential services come with an unfair financial burden, deepening social inequalities.
The Region: Structural isolation sets in, hindering territorial cohesion and the equitable development promise that public infrastructure ought to fulfill.

European Verdict vs. National Action

In July 2025, the European Commission decisively ruled the extension of the AP-66 concession—originally extended in 2003 and effective until 2050—and the ongoing tolls on the AP-9 as illegal since October 2021. Despite this binding directive, the Spanish Ministry of Transport has chosen to continue toll collection, under the leadership of Minister Óscar Puente, disregarding both European law and the well-being of the affected territories.

The situation is further complicated by the fact that the concession holder, Aucalsa, a company owned by a Dutch pension fund, still charges users for infrastructure that arguably should be public and free. This stands in stark contrast to other regions in Spain, where toll booths have been dismantled in recent years, highlighting a glaring discrepancy in policy enforcement.

Mobilization Details and Calls to Arms

The planned demonstration is set for Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 12:00 PM in Plaza España, right in front of the Government Delegation in Asturias. This mobilization is more than just a protest from transport operators; it extends an open invitation to all citizens across Asturias, León, and Galicia to rally together against what is perceived as a long-standing unfair charge.

Leading organizations, including UITA, transport cooperatives, and the Plataforma Ciudadana Peaje del Huerna No!, along with political advocates and numerous social groups, are calling for unified action. Their demands are clear-cut:

Demand	Description
Immediate Removal	Cease all toll charges on AP-66 and AP-9 without delay.
Refunds	Reimbursement of all toll fees collected illegally since October 2021.
Policy Alignment	Infrastructure policies must comply with European legislation ensuring fair and equitable access.
Fair Infrastructure Program	Implement a sustainable, just, and balanced infrastructure plan for the northwest peninsula.

Key Participants and Community Involvement

The movement underscores the critical role of transport cooperatives and associations from Asturias, Galicia, and Castilla y León. Their collaborative involvement is essential to spotlight the sector’s challenges, which have endured for decades. The organizations encourage member mobilization, active communication, and coordinated participation to maximize impact.

The broader community is urged to join, including workers, students, families, unions, cooperatives, local councils, and social entities. The appeal is for a people-led demand for justice, breaking years of neglect and silence.

The Broader Logistics Picture

These provincial toll issues may seem localized, yet their ripple effects stretch deep into the logistics and freight sectors. The added toll costs translate to higher shipping and delivery expenses, squeezing margins for freight firms and increasing costs for goods movement. Not to mention the potential disruption to timely haulage and distribution networks vital for regional economies.

For movers, courier services, and companies facing housemoves or furniture transport, such tolls raise operational costs and complicate route planning. This scenario makes platforms like GetTransport.com ever more valuable, offering affordable, customized cargo transport solutions and the convenience of navigating complex logistical challenges.

The Significance of Firsthand Experience Amidst Reviews

While available reports and reviews shed light on the toll situation and its impact, nothing quite compares to personal experience. For those in the transport industry or individuals affected by these tolls, firsthand insight is priceless in making informed decisions. Platforms like GetTransport.com stand out by providing transparent, reliable, and cost-efficient freight and shipment options worldwide.

The service offers a broad mix of cargo transportation solutions—from office and home relocations to handling large or bulky items like vehicles and furniture—all adaptable to diverse logistics needs. The accessibility of such a platform allows customers to dodge unexpected expenses and plan shipments or dispatches smartly.

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Looking Ahead: Implications for the Logistic Sector

On the grand scale, the continuation of toll charges despite European rulings may not upheave global logistics, but the effects on regional freight and transport markets are palpable. Increased toll burdens drive up operational costs and might encourage alternative routing or delays, affecting supply chain efficiency.

Nevertheless, this movement signals an important shift toward holding infrastructure policy accountable and seeking fairness in transport costs—a principle that resonates worldwide. Staying in tune with such developments is vital for logistics service providers intent on maintaining competitive, efficient supply chains.

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Conclusion: A Call for Fair, Efficient Transport Infrastructure

The action against the tolls imposed on the AP-66 and AP-9 routes shines a spotlight on the need for transparent, fair infrastructure policies aligned with legal standards. The burdens placed on transporters, local communities, and regional economies through illegal tolls are not just a local issue but a reflection of broader challenges in logistics and freight management.

With increasing pressure to ensure equitable access and competitive shipping and haulage conditions, platforms like GetTransport.com become essential allies. They help navigate complex logistical landscapes, ensuring reliable, affordable, and efficient cargo, shipping, and moving solutions globally.

By embracing these changes and tools, businesses and individuals alike can optimize their freight and relocation plans without undue cost strains, fostering better distribution, courier, and transport outcomes across regions affected by such infrastructure challenges.