If a new cabinet takes the plunge to make the Westerscheldetunnel in Zeeland toll-free early, it will take at least one to three years before motorists no longer have to pay a fee. For example, studies must first be carried out into the expected increase in traffic, road safety and the consequences for the environment. This is stated in a scenario drawn up by the Ministry of Infrastructure together with the province of Zeeland, Minister Barbara Visser reports to the House of Representatives.

The House of Representatives wants to get rid of tolls, but the outgoing cabinet was not enthusiastic about this. If the toll were to disappear in 2022, it would cost at least 340 million euros in toll revenues until 2033, the year in which the toll would end. For every year that the abolition takes effect later, that will be 30 million euros lower.

Visser's predecessor Cora van Nieuwenhuizen had already indicated in July that there is a major shortage of budget for infrastructure projects. A decision about making toll-free and how to cover it is therefore up to a new cabinet, Visser repeats in her letter.

The tunnel was put into use in 2003 and connects Zeeuws-Vlaanderen with the rest of the Netherlands. Passage costs 5 euros for a normal car and up to 25 euros for a truck. Frequent users can get a discount. The province will initiate investigations.

Also read: The Westerscheldetunnel toll will still be maintained