Proposed Toll Models for Roads: 3 Cents per km for Cars and 14 Cents per km for Trucks

Overview of SEOPAN’s Toll Proposal

SEOPAN, the Association of Construction and Infrastructure Companies, has suggested a new, sustainable toll model for Spain’s roadways aimed at addressing a significant investment deficit of €11.494 billion needed to maintain the infrastructure. This initiative presents a solution not only for funding but also to rectify the current inequities arising from the existing system.

The Current Funding Landscape

At present, the maintenance of the Spanish road network is largely funded through public budgets, placing the financial burden squarely on taxpayers regardless of their road usage. This arrangement diverts essential resources from crucial sectors such as healthcare, education, and pensions. Consequently, Spain’s unique status as the largest country in the European Union with mostly free road systems presents a glaring disparity. In fact, a staggering 68% of Spain’s highways lack tolls, resulting in foreign drivers traversing these roads without contributing to their upkeep, while Spanish motorists pay for similar routes in other European nations.

Addressing Inequalities in Transport Modes

The current toll-free system creates an imbalance among various transport sectors. While users of rail, maritime, and air travel pay fees for infrastructure usage, road transport—which accounts for 84% of domestic passenger traffic and 95.8% of goods transportation—enjoys a free ride. SEOPAN’s proposal advocates for a fairer model that would include nominal charges for road usage, ensuring that the economic contributions are more evenly distributed among all users.

Investment Priorities Detailed in the Report

The reported investment needs are broken down as follows:

• €874 million for adapting roads to accommodate connected and autonomous mobility requirements.
• €1.847 billion dedicated to improving road safety through the construction of 2+1 roads.
• €547 million for developing safe parking facilities.
• €3.769 billion for public charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, including the establishment of 1,585 charging stations and 10,710 ultra-fast charging points.
• €2.084 billion for ecological transitions including the planting of carbon-absorbing pine trees and implementing noise protection measures in populated areas.
• €1.540 billion allocated for digitalization and connectivity systems essential for vehicle communication and data management.
• €833 million earmarked for the toll collection infrastructure.

Proposed Toll Rates

The suggested tolls for the 13,674 km of currently toll-free interurban roads are quite reasonable. Planned rates are set at approximately €0.03/km (3 cents) for light vehicles and €0.14/km (14 cents) for heavy vehicles. Notably, these rates are lower than existing European averages for tolls, positioning the proposal as not only necessary but also consumer-friendly.

Impact on Frequent Users and Vulnerable Groups

To accommodate frequent users and those most affected by the proposed tolls, SEOPAN has recommended implementing discount systems based on traffic volume, types of vehicles, and user profiles. This strategy aims to mitigate any negative impacts while generating necessary revenue for infrastructure.

Private Sector Involvement Over 25 Years

This tolling framework suggests that private operators will manage the expenditure responsibilities, significantly estimated at €38.447 billion over a 25-year period, which includes covering current toll discounts and prepayment to the government. This public-private partnership could streamline operations and enhance service delivery within the transport sector.

Projected Financial Outcomes

Under this new tolling scenario, it is projected that total toll revenues could reach approximately €143.024 billion over 25 years, yielding savings of €41.038 billion for public spending and generating a tax return of around €35.314 billion. Should Spain adopt European average toll fees of €0.09/km for light vehicles and €0.18/km for heavy vehicles, projected revenues could balloon to €297.477 billion, while still maintaining earlier savings benchmarks.

International Context of Tolling

A recent PwC report highlights that 19 European nations currently charge tolls on 100% of their highway networks, with another five covering over 75%. Spain, with its low toll coverage of merely 13%, remains an outlier in this landscape, making the proposed toll model not only timely but necessary to enhance its competitiveness within the European road network.

Conclusion and Logistics Implications

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