Toll prices for new French motorway spark controversy

The A69 Toulouse-Castres motorway, set to open in early November, has sparked controversy due to its toll prices, which have been described as a "disaster for users' wallets." The toll for a round trip on the A69 will be 17 euros for a hundred kilometers, making it one of the most expensive highways in France.

Local officials express surprise and concern

Local officials who have long supported the project, including Christophe Ramond, president of the Tarn departmental council, and Carole Delga, a socialist elected official from the Occitanie region, expressed surprise and concern over the high cost, calling for a rapid solution. Olivier Fabre, president of the Castres-Mazamet urban community, noted that the announced prices are higher than previous projections.

High tolls may lead to low usage

Concerns have been raised that the motorway may be deserted due to the high tolls, especially given the already high cost of fuel. Bernard Carayon, mayor of Lavaur, emphasized the need for reduced prices to ensure the highway's usage.

Legal issues affect toll price adjustments

The toll price increase is attributed to an unfavorable opinion from the Council of State, which questioned the legality of an amendment aimed at reducing the toll by about 33 percent through subsidies from local authorities. Christine Arrighi, an ecologist deputy, criticized the officials supporting the project for their previous opposition to dissenting voices and called the current situation a "grotesque comedy."

Officials seek government intervention

Pro-A69 officials are calling for an urgent meeting with the government to address the toll price issue, as it is seen as critical to the infrastructure's acceptability. Jean Terlier, a Macronist deputy and long-time defender of the A69, expressed confidence in the Minister of Transport, Philippe Tabarot, to find a solution.

Concessionaire hopes for price reduction

The Ministry of Transport has not responded to requests for comment. Atosca, the concessionaire, announced the opening of the 53 km of the A69 in the first week of November and expressed hope for a price reduction in line with the previously anticipated amendment.