Why French motorway péage tariffs could be set to rise (a lot)
Costs could soar next year if planned budget changes go ahead
Motorway company Vinci Autoroutes said péage increases were ‘inevitable’ but ministers denied that drivers would be forced to pay more
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Péage tariffs on motorways in France could be set to rise significantly in 2025, it has emerged, even after prices have already risen by 3% this year (2024), and by 4.75% in 2023.
This year, the increase - which took effect as usual on February 1 - was capped at around 3%. The actual amount varied by operator.
For example:
These rises were slightly below the rate for the reference period used to calculate the new tariffs. (A 1995 decree states that the rise must correspond to the month of October prior, and must be at least 70% of inflation, excluding tobacco prices.)
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Taxes and tariff increase?
Yet, in 2025, the increase is expected to be much higher if new budgetary changes go ahead.
In its draft budget earlier this year, the government announced plans to levy extra taxes on long-distance transport infrastructure. Motorway companies and airport management firms would be targeted in the taxes, with the government aiming to raise an extra €600 million in revenue to fund new projects.
If the plans go ahead, a rise in tariffs would be “inevitable”, said Vinci Autoroutes.
“An increase in taxes inevitably means an increase in péage rates,” said Vinci Autoroutes Chairman Pierre Coppey. Vinci had previously suggested that the rise could be 5% or more.
When the possible changes were announced, Mr Coppey said that his company would challenge the tax “by any means necessary”. “It is going to come down to administrative justice, constitutional justice and, if necessary, European justice,” he said. “But perhaps we will find a solution before then.”
Similarly, bosses at Eiffage said at the end of September that they intended to “use all appropriate means to assert [our] rights, in particular with regard to compliance with [our state] contract”.
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‘No passing on rates to drivers’
But the government has denied the companies’ claims.
Then-Junior Transport Minister Clément Beaune said that drivers would not need to pay more tax, and added that motorway companies cannot simply decide to raise prices. “Péage prices are set by long-term contracts,” he said last year.
Indeed, the government has the final say. It can choose to validate motorway company proposals or not, depending on whether they comply with the agreed framework.
Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire has also previously said: “We set the péage rates. Motorway companies are not authorised to pass on tax increases to péage prices.”
The final decision has not yet been made. It is expected to be confirmed (or not) in the coming months.
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