From July, motorways will be free of charge for fire service lorries on call-outs. This will result in a loss of revenue for motorway operators, who will have to cover the cost themselves.
An end to an absurdity. At present, firefighters pay tolls just like any other motorist when they take the motorway to reach the scene of an emergency outside these routes more quickly. They are only entitled to free passage when their call-out takes place on the motorway itself. From July, these absurd distinctions will be a thing of the past.
From 1 or 14 July
From now on, wherever they are called out to, they will be able to use the motorway without spending a penny. “Free travel for emergency vehicles on call will be introduced from 1 or 14 July”, explained Pierre Coppey, chairman of Vinci Autoroutes, on Wednesday morning during a hearing before the Senate’s Sustainable Development Committee. This is a measure which, for once, will not result in compensation being paid to motorway operators.
The measure had not come into force because the implementing decree had not been issued. During the summer of 2018, Éric Ciotti, an MP for Les Républicains, had reminded the government of its obligations in this regard. It took some time before his concerns were heeded. It was only a few weeks ago that the authorities reached an agreement with motorway concessionaires to introduce free tolls for firefighters on call-outs.