The Parliament of Catalonia approved a motion in recent weeks proposing a vignette charging system for vehicles that regularly use the AP-7, according to reporting by Ara Cat published on 16 August 2026. The proposal follows persistent congestion on the motorway since toll barriers were removed in September 2021.

For AP-7 commuters, freight operators and other regular users in Catalonia, the motion does not introduce a new charge. The AP-7 is controlled by the Spanish state, so the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility would have to decide whether to pursue the proposal.

A charge based on distance, weight and emissions

The motion, presented by the Comuns parliamentary group, was backed by ERC, PSC, Junts and CUP. It does not propose restoring the former toll booths or imposing a flat annual payment.

Instead, it calls for a system that would identify vehicles entering and leaving the AP-7, with charges varying according to:

  • the distance travelled on the motorway;
  • the vehicle's weight; and
  • its emissions.

Ara Cat reported that traffic rose sharply after tolls were removed, particularly on two-lane sections and near cities, industrial areas and logistics centres. At La Jonquera, more than 40,000 vehicles cross the border each day, with lorries accounting for almost half of them, the report said.

More than €500 million estimated for four AP-7 sections

Studies commissioned by the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility estimate that more than €500 million would be needed for works at four strategic points on the AP-7 in Catalonia, Ara Cat reported.

  • A third lane in each direction between Amposta and l'Hospitalet de l'Infant, a stretch of about 38 kilometres.
  • A fourth lane in each direction between Vilafranca del Penedès and Martorell, about 25 kilometres.
  • A fourth lane in each direction between the B-23 and Martorell, about nine kilometres.
  • A fourth lane in each direction between Montornès del Vallès and Sant Celoni, a 30-kilometre section.

The Spanish and Catalan administrations have also signed a four-year agreement to contribute €250 million jointly for improvements to around 15 interchanges and road connections. The larger widening projects remain subject to administrative, budgetary and environmental procedures.

Drivers can continue to use the AP-7 without a vignette charge while the proposal has no decision from the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility.

Reported by motor.ara.cat, Ara Cat.