In a significant move aimed at enhancing accessibility and affordability, Poland’s government has approved a bill that will abolish toll charges for passenger vehicles on state-owned motorways. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, during a visit to a seniors’ club in southeastern Poland, announced that the initial implementation of the new law, effective from July 1, will exempt two sections of motorways managed by the General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways from tolls. The cost to the state budget is estimated to be around PLN 200 million (EUR 44 million), subject to traffic analyses.
Speaking about the plan, Prime Minister Morawiecki acknowledged that the elimination of toll charges on subsequent motorway stretches would require several hundred million zlotys of additional funding. When questioned about the possibility of extending toll-free travel to privately-administered motorways, he confirmed that talks with the administrators were scheduled within the next 6-12 months. While he anticipated potential challenges during the negotiations, Morawiecki emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring the accessibility and affordability of Poland’s roads for all citizens.
The decision to remove toll charges on state-owned motorways represents a significant milestone in Poland’s transportation sector. The estimated cost of PLN 200 million demonstrates the government’s willingness to invest in providing better road infrastructure and improved mobility for the general public. As Poland moves forward, the outcome of future discussions with private motorway administrators will play a crucial role in determining the extent of toll-free travel across the country.
Read more: Poland to Eliminate Toll Charges on State-Owned Motorways, Costing PLN 200 Million