Motorway companies can set tariffs, but the state constrains their freedoms. Update on the rules in force.
Bad mood at the barrier. As every year, millions of French people take the highways towards their vacation spot. The opportunity to wonder about the tariff of tolls, their setting and their (possible) justification.
=> 2021 motorway prices: the most expensive axes
Unlike Germany, France opted in 1952 for the concession regime. The reasoning of the Minister of Public Works, Antoine Pinay, was as follows: mixed economy companies – in which the State will have a majority – will be created to build and then maintain the nascent network for a long time. They will then be reimbursed by asking users for a right of way. The first toll was thus inaugurated on the A8, on the shores of the Mediterranean, in 1961.
10,000 kilometers of highways were thus laid out, before a major political turning point in the 2000s. Aiguillé by Bercy, the government of Dominique de Villepin privatized the companies. The construction groups Vinci, Eiffage and Abertis then acquired the capital of the historical concessionaires (ASF, Escota, Cofiroute, etc.) for a total amount of 15 billion euros. In doing so, the public authorities also renounced future toll revenues … In a 2009 report, the Court of Auditors estimated the value of these assets at 24 billion euros.
=> France Inter’s investigation into the privatization of motorways
What prices? What annual increases?
Despite these privatizations, the State retains the right to monitor the prices charged. An annual increase occurs on 1is February, but it is still framed: a 1995 decree and contracts signed with the State limit price growth.
Companies today have at least the right to an increase corresponding to 70% of inflation (excluding tobacco prices) during the previous year. In addition, an agreement binds the State with the companies: it defines the calculation methods and an average kilometer rate, taking into account the maintenance costs payable by the concessionaire. Modifications can be published in the Official Journal: the State can thus authorize a higher increase to take into account major works.
Illustration: Arafer
In 2020, toll revenues grew by 2.9% while the turnover of motorway companies reached 10.4 billion euros, according to Arafer data, independent public authority responsible for monitoring their activities.
In general, the study of prices gives indications on the methods of calculation. The the most recent highways are more expensive than the old axes, already profitable. In addition, the nature of the route also influences the prices. The presence of spectacular structures (A86 Duplex Tunnel, mountain viaducts on the A41) is a secondary factor in the price.
Photo from one: Fabrice Bolusset
Highways news
Are German highways better than the French?
Tolls: reductions for the biggest drivers?
Tolls: soon a tax depending on traffic jams?
