Italy’s highway tolls will rise by an average of 1.5% from 1 January, in line with forecast inflation for 2026. The transport ministry confirmed the increase on Monday, saying it had made extensive efforts to avoid higher charges for motorists.
Officials said those efforts failed following a supreme court ruling that overturned previous highway tolls freezes.
The ministry said it had opposed the rise while awaiting updates to concessionaires’ economic and financial plans. Those plans determine toll levels and investment commitments across Italy’s motorway network.
In October, the constitutional court ruled that repeated government freezes were unlawful. Judges said the measures breached constitutional principles governing economic freedom and legal certainty. The court found that blocking inflation-linked increases interfered with existing concession contracts.
It also criticised the practice of extending freezes through emergency legislation.
Following the ruling, transport regulators must now apply inflation adjustments to highway tolls. The ministry said it no longer has the legal authority to prevent the increases.
Also read: Motorways and tolls in Italy – a quick guide
Highway tolls increases not uniform across the country
The rise will not apply uniformly across the motorway network. Some concessionaires will see no increase, while others face higher adjustments under existing agreements.
The Salerno–Pompei–Napoli motorway will see an increase of around 1.9%. Autostrada del Brennero will apply a rise of approximately 1.46%. Other operators, including some Tirreno and Ivrea–Torino–Piacenza routes, may avoid increases altogether. Officials said variations reflect differing contractual and regulatory frameworks.
Transport Minister Matteo Salvini criticised the court’s decision, expressing frustration over its impact on government policy. He said the ruling had nullified efforts to protect drivers from rising living costs.
Opposition parties accused the government of shifting responsibility onto the judiciary. They argued ministers should have addressed concession reform earlier.
