The high season officially began yesterday on the Costa del Sol Motorway (AP-7) and, as every year, it brought a new increase in tolls.
The AP-7 is one of the most expensive motorways in Spain. And although the Government has capped the increases at 4% thanks to a direct subsidy to the concession holders, the fact is that prices keep rising, year after year. An increase that does not feel any smaller for being «staggered». Yesterday, 1 June, the high season tariff came into force, remaining in effect until the end of September, and prices once again hit the pockets of those who have no real alternative.
How much does it cost to get around now?
The new prices reflect an increase on all sections, with the following rates for light vehicles:
- Estepona-Algeciras: from €3.75 to €3.90
- Marbella-Estepona: from €5.80 to €6.05
- Fuengirola-Marbella: from €8.60 to €8.90
- The exit from Manilva now costs €1.90, up from €1.15
This means that travelling the full stretch from Guadiaro to Málaga city in high season now costs €18.85 per journey, that is, €37.70 for a return trip in a single day.
And all this in a context where the only free alternative, the A-7, is not only congested but has become a daily hazard, with high accident rates, traffic jams and constant danger.
An old demand without a response
Manilva Town Hall has repeatedly approved motions demanding that the competent authorities abolish the toll between Manilva and Estepona, arguing that there is no safe and efficient alternative for residents. However, to date no tangible progress has been made. Meanwhile, the concession holder retains the operating rights on that stretch until 2054, shielding its profits at the expense of residents’ pockets for the next three decades.
A road or a punishment?
For those who live in Manilva and work in Málaga or other nearby towns, daily use of the motorway means a monthly cost that easily exceeds €700. In the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, with fuel, rent and food prices, the toll becomes an economic penalty that directly affects mobility, household finances and quality of life.
Porque se cobra del pueblo – no hay bastante que vienen de verano?no hay bastante extranjeros que viven en Andalucia? No hay bastante Asylante que el pueblo le pagan? Menos politicos y oficiales y entonce tenemos mas dinero!