Andorra is planning to implement a new toll system for foreign vehicles using its roads. The government of the Principality is considering introducing a vignette fee, with prices varying depending on the time of year, specifically whether it is high or low tourist season. This measure aims to reduce overcrowding in the country, which received 9.3 million visitors last year.
The government, led by Xavier Espot, believes that the country is reaching its capacity limit, putting its natural resources at risk. With a population of 85,330 and a population density of 181 people per square kilometer, Andorra is facing challenges in managing its growing numbers in a territory that is only 12 kilometers long.
To address these issues, the Andorran government, led by the liberal and center-right party Democrats for the fourth consecutive term, approved a bill for sustainable growth and the right to housing at the end of July. This legislation will allow for the temporary expropriation of vacant apartments and prohibit the issuance of new licenses for tourist housing.
The new road toll is part of this legislative proposal. While still in its early stages, the Espot administration has announced plans to collaborate with the tourism and commerce sectors, the main stakeholders affected by the toll. The toll will be implemented through a vignette system, a common practice in several European countries like Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia.
The vignette is an adhesive or sticker placed on a vehicle’s windshield to indicate that the corresponding fee has been paid. In Andorra, the price will vary depending on the tourist season. However, it has not been decided whether the fee will be for a specific period (a week, a month, or a year) or for each trip made.
One key aspect of the toll system is that it will apply to „all foreign vehicles,“ without exceptions, as reiterated by several government officials. This includes the 1,500 cross-border workers living in Spain and residents of the Pyrenees who travel to Andorra for medical reasons.
To address potential discrimination issues, the Minister of Tourism, Jordi Torres, has stated that there is still room to establish specificities. However, he has confirmed that there will be no distinction between tourists arriving in private vehicles for a day trip and those staying overnight in the country’s hotels.
In conclusion, Andorra’s decision to implement a toll system for foreign vehicles reflects the government’s efforts to manage the country’s growing tourism industry sustainably. By introducing this measure, Andorra aims to balance the economic benefits of tourism with the preservation of its natural resources and the well-being of its residents.