Spain approves continued toll-free AP-7 to ease traffic near Alicante.
Photo Credit: Werner Wilmes via Wikimedia Commons
GOOD NEWS for the drivers living in or around the Alicante area: the Council of Ministers has officially authorised the removal of tolls on a Costa Blanca stretch of the AP-7 motorway, a major Mediterranean coastal road that runs from the French border to Andalucia. The decision was made after the success of a trial period, in which the road had been toll-free since July of 2024.
A crucial road, now toll-free for drivers
To be specific, the stretch that is toll-free is the Alicante AP-7 ring road, a bypass that encircles the Costa Blanca hub. The road, which is crucial around Alicante for linking to other nearby and large towns, has now been established as a free alternative to alleviate traffic – especially long-distance traffic – on the A-70 motorway. The change will be in effect until at least February of 2026, but if the removal of the tolls continues to help the traffic congestion, the reduction of emissions, and overall keep driving residents content, there is a possibility the change will be extended even further.
Drivers in Spain benefit greatly: Environmental, social, and safety benefits of the toll-free motorway
The change is especially significant for those living in Alicante. The residents who use the motorway have been using it as a free and more convenient alternative to the A-70 motorway, which had been incredibly congested and even described as being at maximum capacity, until the trial run of the toll-free option. The trial was initially planned for four months, but was extended twice and will now be valid until at least February 15, 2026.
The test run was incredibly successful on both a socio-economic and environmental scale. A significant reduction of polluting emissions were recorded on the A-70, and led to an additional decrease in fuel consumption.
Traffic safety was also improved; speeds dropped considerably and the risk of accidents decreased. The AP-7, often called the ‘most dangerous motorway in Spain’ had just last month received safety clampdowns in Catalonia for the spiking number of accidents and a steady rise in traffic.
In light of these improvements, as well as the general satisfaction of the nearby residents, the government of Spain has opted for the total elimination of the toll.
Road changing management
With the new change, the management of the AP-7 motorway also changes. The road will no longer be managed by the State Land Transport Infrastructure Company, but will become a free and toll-free motorway managed by the Directorate General of Highways of the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility. Until the transitional period and preparatory work is done, however, the State Land Transport Infrastructure Company will continue to operate and maintain the road.
More toll discounts could be on the horizon for drivers
In addition, the Council of Ministers has also approved the modification of an agreement which determined the tolls charged by the State Land Transport Infrastructure Company. The modification, along with establishing the toll-free status of the AP-7, also allows the Ministry to establish discounts on other tolled motorways.
The new development could also spark new hope for residents of the Costa del Sol, whose AP-7 motorway tolls are among the most expensive in all of Spain.
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