In a recent press conference, the Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, Oscar Puente, highlighted that the proposal to tax the use of the toll road network is still alive despite its removal from the government’s list of commitments with the European Commission last September. The project aimed to implement a toll system starting in 2024 and was met with opposition by some political parties. However, Puente emphasized that Spain needs to find a way to finance its roads and invited all political parties to reflect on this responsibility.
Puente expressed concerns about the current system where foreign trucks pay tolls in other EU countries but not in Spain. He believes that a uniform toll system is necessary for fairness and efficiency. Discussions are underway regarding the Sustainable Mobility Bill, which must be passed before the end of the year to access European funds. Puente called for consensus from all parties, especially reaching out to the People’s Party for their support. He believes that a broad consensus is necessary for the bill to move forward and hopes for collaboration from all major political parties in the country.