Expressways: Vinci’s Measures on Certain Routes and Recharging

Vinci Autoroutes announces it will not increase toll prices on 70% of the journeys under 30 km, in response to the fare increase effective February 1st.

An twofold news item finally prompted a reaction from one of the sector’s companies. The first was the increase in toll prices by an average of 4.75% starting February 1st, 2023, on the main highway concessions.

While this increase is less than inflation — 6.33% in October according to the government — it adds to repeated rises every year. The second was an article in Le Canard Enchaîné revealing an interministerial report showing the enormous profits of companies like Vinci, Eiffage, or Abertis, through their concessions APRR, ASF, or Sanef.

Partial price cap for everyone

This reaction comes from the largest company, which has decided on a partial freeze of the price increase. On its social media, Vinci Autoroutes states “to block toll rates on 70% of journeys under 30 km on its network.” On these segments, tolls will not increase by the average of 4.68% as of February 1st (average rate across Vinci’s networks).

Additionally, Vinci Autoroutes applies a -40% discount — compared to -30% — on regular trips. Specifically, to access this, drivers must use the Ulys toll card, which is currently free for 24 months and costs 2 € per month thereafter when driving on highways. Then, one must select a route with at least 10 round-trips. The new -40% discount is only applicable on Vinci networks:

• ASF: motorways A7, A8, A9, A46, A54, and A709;
• Cofiroute: motorways A10, A11, A19, A28, A81, A85, and A86;
• Escota: motorways A8, A50, A51, A52, and A57.

10% on recharging, everywhere even outside highways, but…

However, there is some surprise regarding announcements about electric vehicles. On December 2nd, the networks were supposedly, according to the government press release, to benefit from “a 5% reduction on their rates” for electric car recharges. This measure is no longer mentioned in Vinci’s statement of January 30, 2023.

Instead, the company indicates it will lower recharge prices by 10%, starting May 1st and valid until December 31, 2023. However, this discount will apply both on highways and on the “60,000 charging stations across France”, but you must use the Ulys card, the same one valid for tolls. Note that Ulys specifies the discount is not automatically deducted on the bill, as it is processed via “a cashback deducted from your next invoices within 12 months”.

Also read: Electricity prices +15%: what’s the extra cost for charging an electric car at home?