The Minister for Transport François Durovray said he was determined on Wednesday to “reinvent the model” of 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 considers it necessary to reinvent this model to meet the needs of the French and the imperatives of 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 transport infrastructures and services, integrating all modes – motorways, rail, public transport, etc. », According to the same source.
The ministry stressed that a conference on the future of mobility financing planned for early 2025 would integrate the issue of “motorway network management”. The end of the main current concessions is planned between 2031 and 2036.
Tolls that will remain?
Immediately, François Durovray, who received the concessionaires on Tuesday, reminded them of “their obligation to restore the network to good condition until the expiry of their concessions, both in terms of quality, safety and durability. He indicated that the State would take its responsibilities by notifying the work programs to the companies most affected by the end of their concessions, and this by the end of the year according to his ministry.
On October 23, a report submitted to the Senate recommended maintaining motorway tolls at the end of the current concessions, very profitable for their managers, but to reform their model in depth, by reducing the duration of the contracts and the number of kilometers of each concession to avoid the control of a handful of big players.
The price of tolls could remain stable, but part of the sums collected could be devoted to the maintenance of non-concessioned motorways, national roads which are deteriorating, or the railway network, according to this report by the centrist senator of Eure Hervé Maurey .
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**Interview with François Durovray, Minister for Transport**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Minister Durovray. You recently mentioned the need to “reinvent the model” of motorways. What prompted this initiative?
**François Durovray:** Thank you for having me. The current concession model has been in place for several decades, and it no longer aligns with today’s realities. User expectations have evolved, and we’re facing new challenges in terms of sustainability and innovation. It’s essential that we address these shifts to create a more efficient and environmentally responsible transport network.
**Editor:** You’ve emphasized the importance of ecological transition in your statements. How do you envision integrating these principles into the new motorway models?
**François Durovray:** The ecological transition is at the forefront of our transport strategy. We need to rethink the design and operation of motorways to reduce environmental impact—this could include promoting electric vehicle infrastructure, improving traffic management to reduce congestion, and exploring alternative transport options that work in conjunction with motorways.
**Editor:** Financing seems to be a key aspect of your vision. What changes do you propose concerning the financing of motorway concessions?
**François Durovray:** Yes, financing is critical. We must rethink how we fund this model—not only for motorways but across all transport modes, including rail and public transport. I would like to see a more integrated approach that allows for flexible funding sources, potentially involving public-private partnerships and innovative financing solutions that reflect the needs of users and society.
**Editor:** Moving forward, how do you plan to engage with the various stakeholders involved in the current motorway model?
**François Durovray:** Dialogue is essential. We will continue to engage with motorway operators, local governments, and user groups to gather their insights and needs. This collaborative approach will help us design a model that works for everyone and ensures that our motorway system is sustainable and efficient for future generations.
**Editor:** Thank you, Minister Durovray. We appreciate your insights and look forward to seeing the evolution of France’s motorway system.
**François Durovray:** Thank you for the opportunity to share our vision!
