Rhodope Chamber urges PM to reinstate highway yoll exemption for businesses

The Rhodope Chamber of Trades and Crafts has called on Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to reinstate toll exemptions for professional vehicles, warning that recent policy changes are placing significant strain on local businesses.

In an official letter addressed to the Prime Minister’s Office and relevant ministries, the chamber criticized the sudden removal of toll fee exemptions, particularly those previously applied along the Egnatia Odos motorway.

“Severe Pressure on Regional Economy”
According to the chamber, the exemption had served as a critical balancing mechanism for businesses operating in border regions. Its abrupt cancellation is now directly impacting:

• Operating costs
• Competitiveness
• Cross-border commercial activity

The statement emphasized that companies in Rhodope are facing increasing financial pressure, especially those reliant on frequent road transport.

Privatization and Policy Shift
Chamber officials linked the changes to the transfer of motorway operations to a private company, after which new toll policies were introduced. These adjustments, they argue, have led to additional financial burdens for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Call for Immediate Government Action
In its letter, the Rhodope Chamber of Trades and Crafts urged the government to take urgent legislative or administrative action to restore free passage rights for professional vehicles.

The chamber stressed that such a move is essential for the sustainability of local businesses, particularly in economically sensitive border areas where transport costs play a decisive role.

Strategic Importance of Egnatia Corridor
The Egnatia Odos is one of northern Greece’s most vital transport corridors, connecting key economic hubs and facilitating trade across the Balkans. Any increase in transit costs along this route is likely to have wider regional economic implications.