Transport Minister François Durovray said on Wednesday he was determined to “reinvent the model” of the motorways at the end of the current concessions, after a meeting with their managers.
“François Durovray recalled that the current concession model was put in place several decades ago,” his services underlined on Wednesday in a press release : “The temporalities and expectations of users have evolved, the challenges to be met are now different. The minister believes it is necessary to reinvent this model to meet the needs of the French and the imperatives of the ecological transition and innovation. »
François Durovray “insisted on the need to rethink, for the future, the financing of this model” and, beyond, “a global model of financing infrastructure and transport services, which integrates all modes – motorways, railways, public transport , etc. », according to the same source.
The Ministry stressed that a conference on the future of mobility financing, scheduled for early 2025, will integrate the issue of “motorway network management”. The main current concessions are expected to expire between 2031 and 2036.
Tolls that will remain?
Immediately, François Durovray, who received the concessionaires on Tuesday, reminded them of “the obligation to restore the network in good condition until the expiration of their concessions, both in terms of quality, safety and durability. He indicated that the State will assume its responsibilities by notifying the work programs to the companies most affected by the expiration of their concessions, and this by the end of the year according to his ministry.
On October 23, a report presented to the Senate recommended maintaining motorway tolls at the end of the current concessions, which are very advantageous for their managers, but reforming their model in depth, reducing the duration of the contracts and the number of kilometers of each. concession to avoid the control of a handful of large operators.
The price of tolls could remain stable, but part of the sums collected could be allocated to the maintenance of non-concessionaire highways, degraded national roads or the railway network, according to this report by Eure’s centrist senator Hervé Maurey.
Interview: Reinventing France’s Motorway Model
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to our session today! We have a special guest, Dr. Élise Moreau, an expert in transport infrastructure and sustainable mobility. Dr. Moreau, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Élise Moreau (EM): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
TNE: Recently, Transport Minister François Durovray announced an intention to “reinvent the model” of motorways in France as existing concessions come to an end. What do you think prompted this move?
EM: It’s indicative of a significant shift in how we view transport infrastructure. Minister Durovray recognizes that the current highway concession model is decades old and doesn’t align with today’s user expectations or ecological demands. With evolving transportation needs and the urgency of climate change, this rethinking is essential.
TNE: You mentioned ecological demands. How does the ecological transition influence the plans for the motorway systems?
EM: The ecological transition emphasizes sustainability and reducing carbon footprints. Motorways, being major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, need innovative solutions to minimize their impact. This involves not only rethinking how they are financed and maintained but also integrating greener technologies and encouraging alternative modes of transit.
TNE: Speaking of integration, the Minister mentioned the need for a holistic financing model that encompasses various transport modes—motorways, railways, and public transport. Why is this integrated approach so crucial?
EM: An integrated approach ensures that all transportation modalities are viewed as part of a cohesive system. This is vital for efficient resource allocation, reducing congestion, and ultimately providing better services to users. If we think of motorways in isolation, we miss opportunities for synergies that can enhance overall mobility and reduce environmental impacts.
TNE: There’s a conference on future mobility financing planned for early 2025. What outcomes do you envision from such an event?
EM: The conference could serve as a catalyst for collaborative discussions among stakeholders, including government officials, transport companies, and environmental groups. Ideally, we’d see the development of innovative financing models that prioritize sustainability, such as green bonds or public-private partnerships that focus on eco-friendly initiatives.
TNE: how do you envision the role of technology in this reinvented motorway model?
EM: Technology will be a game-changer. From smart traffic management systems using AI to optimize flow and reduce emissions, to electric vehicle charging stations integrated along motorways—technology offers numerous avenues to create a more efficient, user-friendly transport network. Moreover, data analytics can help understand user behavior, leading to tailored solutions.
TNE: It sounds like an exciting yet challenging road ahead for the transport sector in France. Thank you, Dr. Moreau, for sharing your insights with us today!
EM: Thank you! It’s going to be an interesting journey, indeed, and I’m excited to see how it unfolds.