- Ana Serna, PP secretary General in Alicante, demands immediate removal of AP-7 toll in Vega Baja.
- Vega Baja is the onyl comarca in Alicante province where drivers must pay tolls, despite government promises.
- Costs of toll rise during summer peak season, worsening congestion and burden on families.
- Ana Serna calls for doubling the N-332 road in Torrevieja to ease heavy summer traffic.
- Criticism of Pedro Sánchez’s government for neglecting Vega Baja infrastructure and provincial funding.
PP Demands Immediate Removal of AP-7 Toll Through Vega Baja
Ana Serna, the Secretary General of the Popular Party (PP) of Alicante province, has publicly demanded the immediate removal of the toll on the AP-7 highway as it passes through the Vega Baja comarca. This comes amid growing frustration over continued toll charges affecting local residents and visitors alike.
Vega Baja – The Only Toll Zone in Alicante Province
According to Serna, the Vega Baja remains the only region in Alicante where drivers must pay tolls to use the AP-7 motorway, a measure she describes as unfair and unjustified. “The government of Pedro Sánchez pledged to eliminate this toll but has yet to act. It is indeed time to stop deceiving the citizens,” she stressed in a recent statement.
The AP-7 toll affects daily traffic, especially towards high-tourism areas south of Alicante. Commuters going to Cartagena and locals traveling frequently are forced to bear this cost, despite promises of toll-free access.
Toll Prices Increase During Peak Summer Months
Adding to the controversy, toll fees on the AP-7 rise during the busy summer months-the vrey time when traffic congestion on alternative routes like the N-332 worsens significantly.
- the N-332 road through Torrevieja experiences heavy congestion during summer,with daily vehicle counts reaching up to 55,000.
- Higher toll prices encourage drivers to avoid the motorway, adding pressure on the already congested local roads.
- Ana Serna emphasizes that instead of easing travel, the government is increasing travel costs while failing to invest in necessary infrastructure.
Call for N-332 Road Expansion in torrevieja
Serna also demands the government commits to expanding the N-332 road through Torrevieja, a key artery for traffic in the region. The motorway’s summer traffic overload makes this expansion urgent, pending government clarity on timelines for these essential works.
| Road | Current Daily Traffic (Summer) | Proposed Action |
|---|---|---|
| N-332 (Torrevieja) | Up to 55,000 vehicles | Road doubling/expansion to reduce congestion |
| AP-7 (Vega Baja) | High volume with toll fee | Immediate removal of toll |
Provincial government Criticism: Lack of Investment and Infrastructure
Beyond the toll issue, Serna criticized the PSOE government headed by Pedro Sánchez for neglecting the Vega Baja comarca’s infrastructure needs.She highlighted that the provincial government under Carlos Mazón’s leadership is the only entity making real progress in improving road connections like the CV-95.
Moreover, Serna called upon the central government to clarify whether Alicante will remain the worst-financed province in Spain according to the State’s general Budgets. She pointed out that Alicante, home to nearly two million people and contributing over 4% of spain’s national wealth, receives disproportionately low investment compared to its population and economy.
What’s Next for Vega Baja and Alicante’s Roads?
The demand for toll removal and expanded road infrastructure highlights ongoing regional tensions about fair treatment and economic support. The unresolved toll on the AP-7 continues to strain families and businesses in southern Alicante, posing questions about government priorities and commitments.
As summer approaches, the pressure to alleviate traffic jams and reduce commuting costs rises alongside tourist numbers, making AP-7 toll removal and N-332 expansion urgent topics for local politics and transport policy.
Sources