Everything is ready for the launch of the new refund system for those trapped in traffic jams due to roadworks on highways. From June 1, in fact, motorists and users delayed by works or traffic blocks will be entitled to a toll refund proportional to the inconvenience suffered. The measure is seen as a step forward in recognizing protections also for those traveling on highways. Equating, at least in intentions, roads to the better-known rights already provided for trains and planes.
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New refund system on highways
But a few days before the debut, a non-trivial operational issue emerges. The single app to manage requests is still missing, necessary to bring together the activities of 26 concessionaires. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport clarifies that the development of the app will be the responsibility of the concessionaires. Meanwhile, each operator must guarantee alternatives through substitute channels (for example, dedicated toll-free number, online form, physical counters or assistance points). Essentially, applications must still be able to be submitted, even if the “integrated” experience envisioned by the Transport Regulation Authority (ART) will not be ready immediately.
How it works
The new ART rules define criteria and percentages with two main variables: route length and waiting time. For trips under 30 kilometers, the refund is due regardless of the delay; between 30 and 50 kilometers it applies if the time exceeds 10 minutes; beyond 50 kilometers at least 15 minutes is required. For traffic blocks, instead, the compensation depends on the duration: from 60 to 119 minutes half the toll is refunded, between 120 and 179 it rises to 75%, while over 180 minutes (three hours of queue) it reaches 100%. The concessionaire must respond within 20 days and, if the request is accepted, pay within the following 10; moreover, subscribers and daily users can withdraw without penalties if the works reduce the usability of the route. One last important clarification: the mechanism does not operate immediately on the entire network, but initially concerns the roadworks on sections managed by a single concessionaire. For those with multiple operators the deadline is postponed to December 1, with a greater impact in the northern areas where the multi-concession model is more widespread.
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