Business · Companies · 4 hrs ago
French motorway tolls rose 40% in 20 years as profits draw scrutiny
France's 9,328 kilometres of motorways are run by private concession companies, and tolls have risen 40% in 20 years.
The French state and three private groups—Vinci, Eiffage and Spain's Abertis—decide toll increases each 1 February, with inflation among the reasons for past rises.
The money collected is divided roughly into thirds: one third goes to the state in taxes, one third pays to operate and upgrade the network, and the final third goes to shareholders as dividends.
Those dividends reached €4.4 billion in 2024, up 9% from the year before, according to an official report.
Lawyer Christophe Lèguevaques disputes whether the toll increases are legal and says he will take the case to the Council of State.
Eiffage's communications director said in writing that the level of profitability was consistent with the normal risks of a concession.
French motorway toll prices have risen 40% in 20 years, with increases decided each 1 February by the state and three private groups.
The money collected is divided among state taxes, network operation and modernisation, and shareholder dividends.
A 2024 official report put motorway concessionaires’ dividends at €4.4 billion, up 9% from 2023.
A lawyer is challenging the legality of toll increases and says he will refer the matter to the Council of State.
Eiffage’s communications director said the concessionaires’ level of profitability is consistent with the normal risks of a concession.
- Who
- The state and private motorway groups Vinci, Eiffage and Abertis set toll increases. A lawyer, Christophe Lèguevaques, is challenging the increases.
- What
- French motorway toll prices have risen 40% in 20 years, while the distribution of toll revenue and concessionaire profits are under scrutiny.
- When
- The toll increases are decided each 1 February. The reported increase over 20 years and the 2024 dividend figures are cited in the article published in November 2026.
- Where
- France’s 9,328-kilometre motorway network.
- Why
- The article examines how toll revenue is split and whether the prices charged to motorists are justified.
Motorway toll critic
Motorway concessionaires
Profitability
Motorway toll critic
Christophe Lèguevaques says private interests are making considerable gains and argues the disparity between the service provided and profits is questionable.
Motorway concessionaires
Eiffage communications director Nicolas Cote says the level of profitability is consistent with the normal risks of a concession.
Toll increases
Motorway toll critic
Lèguevaques contests the legality of the increases and says he will refer the matter to the Council of State.
Motorway concessionaires
The article says increases are decided by the state and three private groups; the concessionaires declined interview requests.
The comparison year for the official report’s figures on concessionaire dividends.
Concessionaire dividends reached €4.4 billion, 9% higher than in 2023.
Seven kilometres of the A1 were renovated in an 11-day, round-the-clock project costing €5 million.
franceinfo published its report on motorway toll revenue and profits.
- Motorway network
- 9,328 km
- Toll price rise
- 40% over 20 years
- Dividend total
- €4.4 billion in 2024
- Dividend change
- 9% higher than in 2023
- A1 renovation
- 7 km; 11 days; €5 million
- Toll-setting groups
- Vinci, Eiffage and Abertis
What people are saying
There are private interests that are making considerable gains. It is this disproportion between the service provided and the gains they have made that is questionable.
The level of profitability is consistent with the normal risks of a concession.
We will exceed two million euros in toll costs for the first time this year.
It is better to act before it is too late, because if we did it later it would be much more expensive and much more difficult to carry out.