Motorways, airports: what is this ecological tax that could increase prices for users?

Quel impact sur le prix des péages ? Midi Libre – MICHAEL ESDOURRUBAILH

On September 12, the Constitutional Council validated the creation of a new tax that applies to managers of long-distance transport infrastructure. It is intended to finance the ecological transition.

By validating, on Thursday, September 12, a new tax on long-distance transport infrastructure, intended to finance the ecological transition, did the Constitutional Council open the way to an increase in user rates??

No, believes the State, which points out that the rate of motorway tolls is based on inflation, and depends on the investments of motorway companies. But this new tax, contested by the operators who denounce a "breach of equality"with other operators, could impact prices from 2025.

The tax, planned in the 2024 budget, should increase the budget of the transport infrastructure financing agency to the tune of €600 million per year. It only applies from a turnover and profitability: 120 million euros minimum for the turnover, and a profitability threshold of 10% validated.

Motorways, which will account for three-quarters of the volume of the tax, are in the front line.

In the air sector, only large airports should be concerned: Orly and Roissy in Paris, Nice, Marseille and Lyon.

For Vinci, €280 million in 2024

Vinci Autoroute, which estimated that the company would have to pay €280 million in 2024, is thus threatening to increase toll prices in 2025.

Last November, France's leading motorway concessionaire had projected a 5% increase in toll prices.

The Aéroports de Paris group has also announced its intention to pass on the “almost entirely” of the burden on airlines, with ultimately, no doubt, unpleasant surprises for users.