The Girona Hospitality and Tourism Federation is urging the return of tolls on the AP-7, citing increased traffic and accidents since their removal in 2021. They argue that safety and infrastructure maintenance are at stake.
In a bold move to address escalating safety concerns, the Girona Hospitality and Tourism Federation has called for the reinstatement of tolls on the AP-7 highway, which were eliminated in September 2021. The federation, representing a coalition of over a dozen tourism associations, claims that the absence of tolls has led to significant increases in both traffic congestion and accident rates.
Since tolls were removed, daily traffic on this vital route has surged by 40%, with a corresponding rise in accidents involving injuries. Heavy vehicle traffic has skyrocketed by an alarming 80% during this same period. The federation describes the current state of the AP-7 as one of “permanent collapse,” highlighting frequent delays that pose risks to both drivers and passengers.
The organization also points to deteriorating road conditions as a major concern. They report a “deficient state of conservation” across lanes attributed to inadequate maintenance practices. Hazardous debris such as tires and other objects have become common sights, further endangering users.
“Catalunya cannot afford such deteriorated, congested, and dangerous infrastructure,” stated a spokesperson from the federation. They emphasize that navigating this highway has become increasingly perilous due to its high accident rate.
In light of these issues, tourism leaders prefer reinstating traditional toll booths over alternative models like vignette systems recently proposed by regional authorities. They argue that tolls provide better user accountability—only those who utilize the road would pay—and help manage traffic flow more effectively than flat-rate systems.
The federation’s statement also raises alarms about rising incidents of theft targeting drivers along this route. They attribute these crimes to repeat offenders who exploit the lack of barriers or restrictions on movement along the highway.
“If we want to be a safe destination for residents and visitors alike, we must invest in top-notch infrastructure,”
the federation asserted in their public communication earlier today. Their proposal includes not only reinstating tolls but also enhancing road safety through improved maintenance practices.
A critical aspect of their plan involves creating dedicated lanes exclusively for heavy vehicles. This measure aims to reduce accidents caused by interactions between trucks and lighter vehicles—a situation they believe exacerbates congestion during peak travel times.
“The coexistence of trucks and light vehicles increases accident risks while complicating traffic flow,”
a representative explained. By segregating heavy traffic from lighter vehicles, they hope to alleviate some of these challenges.
The call for action comes at a time when many regions are grappling with similar issues related to road safety and infrastructure management following changes in tolling policies over recent years. Historical data shows that regions with well-maintained tolled highways often experience lower accident rates compared to those without such systems in place.
As discussions continue regarding potential reforms for the AP-7, stakeholders are urged to consider how best to balance accessibility with safety measures that protect all users on this critical transportation artery.
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