Drivers have welcomed the removal of tolls on the AP-7 between Elche and El Campello, but the decision has come at a price.
New figures show the stretch of motorway recorded a €3 million loss during 2025 after becoming completely free to use. The route no longer generated any toll income, making it the only motorway in Spain’s rescued motorway network to post such a significant deficit.
Despite the financial loss, the government says the experiment has achieved its main objective: easing congestion on Alicante’s busy A-70 ring road.
From toll road to free motorway
The government introduced free travel on the AP-7 in mid-2024 as a trial.
The aim was to encourage drivers, particularly heavy goods vehicles and long-distance traffic heading towards Valencia and Barcelona, to use the quieter motorway instead of the often-congested A-70.
After monitoring traffic levels and road safety, the government permanently removed the tolls in January 2026.
Income disappears but traffic increases
The figures show just how much the change affected the motorway’s finances.
In 2024, the AP-7 still generated €2.6 million from toll charges. By the end of 2025, that income had fallen to zero, leaving the route with losses of €3 million.
Technical studies carried out during the trial found that many more drivers chose the AP-7 once it became free, particularly those travelling longer distances and commercial vehicles looking for a faster alternative.
Other motorways made up the difference
While the Alicante section slipped into the red, the rest of Spain’s rescued motorway network enjoyed a much stronger year.
The State Company for Land Transport Infrastructure (SEITT) reported a combined net profit of €27.3 million during 2025, almost 33% higher than the previous year.
Motorways including Madrid’s radial roads, the AP-36 and the AP-7 Cartagena to Vera all increased their revenues, helping offset the losses on the Costa Blanca.
Convenience versus cost
For most motorists, the change has been an easy one to appreciate. Fewer queues, a free alternative to the A-70 and easier journeys around the Alicante metropolitan area have made the AP-7 an increasingly popular choice.
The latest figures show, however, that someone still has to cover the cost.
Whether the reduction in congestion, shorter journey times and improved road safety justify that annual €3 million bill will remain part of the debate for some time to come.
Bridging the Gap’s recap
- The free AP-7 between Elche and El Campello recorded a €3 million loss during 2025.
- The motorway stopped collecting tolls after becoming free to use.
- Drivers began using the route more frequently, particularly for longer journeys and freight transport.
- The government introduced the measure to reduce congestion on the A-70.
- Other rescued motorways across Spain remained profitable and helped offset the AP-7’s losses.
