The good, the bad and the AP-7: Summer motoring across the Costa Blanca

Drivers across the Costa Blanca are seeing a mix of higher travel costs and improved infrastructure this summer. While motorists using the AP-7 between Alicante and Cartagena face significantly higher seasonal tolls, new parking facilities in Torrevieja and plans for a long-awaited roundabout in Orihuela aim to make travelling around the region easier and safer.

Summer tolls increase on the AP-7

Drivers using the AP-7 between Alicante and Cartagena this summer are paying almost 80 per cent more in toll charges than they would during the rest of the year, according to a new report by Spanish motorists’ association AEA.

The study shows that the toll for the full journey rises from €5.70 in the low season to €10.20 during the busy summer months and at Easter. That means motorists pay an extra €4.50 each way, or €9 on a return trip, simply because they are travelling during peak periods.

AEA says the pricing system works in a similar way to hotels, with higher charges introduced when demand is greatest. The Alicante to Cartagena section is one of the clearest examples of seasonal pricing on Spain’s toll road network.

The report also found that toll prices can vary depending on the time of day and the payment method. On some motorways, drivers using the Via-T electronic payment system can save around 10 per cent, while a small number of routes are free between midnight and 6:00 AM.

Across Spain, there are almost 2,000 kilometres of toll roads, with prices ranging from around €0.06 to more than €0.50 per kilometre.

AEA advises motorists to check toll prices before travelling, as changing departure times or avoiding peak holiday periods can make journeys considerably cheaper.

New park-and-ride opens in Torrevieja

Drivers in Torrevieja have another parking option following the opening of a new temporary park-and-ride car park on municipal land close to the town centre.

The new facility is located between Avenida de la Estación, Calle Ciudad de Barcelona, Camino del Acequión and the N-332, providing extra parking in an area where demand is often high.

The site covers more than 7,000 square metres and has been prepared for temporary use as a public car park. Work included clearing and levelling the land, removing waste, laying and compacting a gravel surface, and creating two vehicle access points.

Drivers can enter the car park from Avenida de la Estación and Calle Ciudad de Barcelona via the existing road network.

The Town Hall says the project has been designed as a reversible solution, allowing the land to be used without affecting its long-term planning status. The gravel surface also helps maintain natural drainage while providing a practical area for vehicles.

Torrevieja is also planning four more park-and-ride car parks near the town centre and port area. Together they are expected to provide more than 3,900 parking spaces, including accessible bays, helping to offset spaces lost as part of the ongoing redevelopment of the port.

Roundabout plans move forward in Orihuela

Plans in Orihuela for a new roundabout at the junction of the CV-868 and the old CV-870 have moved a step closer, bringing long-awaited improvements for residents of Montepinar and La Matanza.

The project has now been published for public consultation, allowing anyone affected to submit comments or objections during the next 20 working days.

With a budget of almost €690,000, the scheme aims to improve safety at one of the busiest and most challenging junctions in the area. The new roundabout is expected to make traffic flow more smoothly, improve visibility for drivers and reduce the risk of accidents for the many people who use the route each day.

Orihuela’s Councillor for Infrastructure, Victor Valverde, welcomed the progress, describing it as an important step towards delivering a project that local residents have been requesting for many years.

The roundabout will also link with the planned second phase of the cycle and pedestrian route to Montepinar, which is still awaiting tender. Once completed, it will provide a safer route for both cyclists and pedestrians while improving connections between the surrounding communities.

Enjoy free parking in Blue Zones in Elche

Drivers in Elche can park free of charge in all blue zone (ORA) spaces throughout August.

Until September 1, parking will be free across the entire regulated parking network, with no payment or ticket required at any time of the day.

The summer measure follows the partial free parking scheme introduced in the second half of July. For the second year running, ORA charges were removed every afternoon from July 15, while drivers only had to pay on weekdays between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Saturdays were already free all day.

Now, with the arrival of August, parking is free every day and during all operating hours.

Although payment is suspended, drivers are advised to check the information displayed on parking meters, where the conditions for each area remain available.

The free parking period is designed to make it easier for residents and visitors to park during the quieter summer months, when many businesses operate reduced hours and traffic patterns change.

Normal ORA charges and enforcement will return on September 1, when the usual tariffs and parking schedules will once again apply across the city.

The annual summer suspension has become a popular measure, giving motorists a month of free parking while encouraging people to visit local shops, restaurants and other businesses during the holiday season.