Tarn Department Council Rejects Toll Hikes
"It’s a disaster for the wallets of A69 users, and the state is solely responsible," said Christophe Ramond, president of the Tarn departmental council, as reported by La Dépêche du Midi.
The A69 motorway project between Toulouse and Castres faces a significant pricing hurdle just weeks before its scheduled opening, as a legal reversal has forced a spike in projected tolls.
France’s Costliest New Infrastructure
The cost for a round trip on the 100-kilometer stretch is now expected to reach 17 euros.
According to local media, a one-way trip between Castres and Toulouse is set to cost 10.20 euros, which rises to 20.40 euros for a round trip when including the A680 toll. These figures position the new infrastructure among the most expensive motorways in France.
Council of State Challenges Local Subsidies
The price surge stems from an unfavorable opinion issued by the Council of State. The court challenged the legality of a contract amendment that previously allowed for subsidies from local authorities—including regional, departmental, and community groups—to reduce toll prices by approximately 33%.
Regional Leaders Express Frustration
Local officials who previously championed the project have expressed frustration at the new financial reality. Carole Delga, another socialist elected official favorable to the A69, described herself as "stunned" by the rates, calling them "obviously not bearable" in comments to La Dépêche du Midi. Similarly, Olivier Fabre, president of the Castres-Mazamet urban community, stated that the announced tariffs are higher than the most recent projections.
Ecologist deputy Christine Arrighi, who served as rapporteur for a parliamentary inquiry into the project’s financing, characterized the reaction from pro-A69 officials as a "grotesque comedy." She noted that the Council of State identified a "legal risk" in the subsidy agreement because it significantly altered the contract’s financial balance.
Emergency Government Talks Sought
Pro-A69 officials are now seeking an emergency meeting with the government to address the pricing, which they argue is a "major issue for the acceptability of this infrastructure." Jean Terlier, a deputy who has long defended the project, expressed confidence that a meeting will occur, citing the need to "calm the discontent and rumblings that are rising."
The motorway concessionaire, Atosca, confirmed that it still intends to open the 53-kilometer route during the first week of November. The company stated it is continuing discussions with the state and hopes that a tariff reduction consistent with the original amendment can still be achieved. The Ministry of Transport has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the potential for new negotiations.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the A69 motorway scheduled to open?
Atosca has announced that the 53-kilometer section of the A69 will be open to traffic during the first week of November.
Why are the tolls higher than originally planned?
The Council of State ruled that an amendment providing for local government subsidies to lower toll prices was legally problematic, as it significantly changed the original contract’s financial structure.
How much will a one-way trip cost?
According to local reports, a one-way trip between Castres and Toulouse is expected to cost 10.20 euros, with round-trip costs reaching 20.40 euros when accounting for the A680 toll.
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