Maronya-Şapçı opposition urges council to oppose toll exemption changes
The "New Restart" (Epanekkinisi) opposition group in the Municipality of Maronya-Şapçı has called for a municipal council debate on the planned abolition of toll exemptions for permanent residents living near toll stations on the Egnatia Motorway.
In a statement signed by group leader Dinos Haritopulos, the opposition warned that the measure, initially affecting commercial vehicles and later all vehicles, would negatively impact Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, particularly the border region.
The group argued that removing the exemption would increase costs for residents, farmers, traders and businesses, raising transport expenses, harming the local economy and weakening the competitiveness of companies in a region already facing population and development challenges.
It noted that chambers of commerce and other local organizations across Thrace have also opposed the decision, stressing that local authorities should take action rather than remain silent.
The "New Restart" group called on the Maronya-Şapçı Municipal Council to place the issue on the agenda of its next meeting and adopt a joint resolution calling for the continuation of the toll exemption for permanent residents.
It also proposed cooperation with other municipalities in Thrace, the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, business chambers and other institutions to challenge the measure.
