Asturias disputes Ministry intervention in Aucalsa toll investigation

A jurisdictional dispute has emerged between the Spanish Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility and the Principality of Asturias regarding a disciplinary file against Aucalsa, the concessionaire of the AP-66 highway. The Ministry has requested to join the proceedings as an interested party, a move that has drawn criticism from the Asturian government.

The disciplinary process was initiated by Asturias due to Aucalsa maintaining full toll rates despite ongoing construction works that have significantly impacted traffic and service availability. The Asturian government is considering fines totaling approximately 1.1 million euros: 1 million euros for failing to provide the full service and 100,000 euros for deficient signage during works affecting nearly 40 percent of the route.

Beatriz González Prieto, Vice-Counselor for Citizen Rights, expressed surprise at the Ministry's intervention, questioning whether the move aims to protect citizens or the private concessionaire. The Asturian Consumer Service will evaluate the legal validity of the Ministry's request. Additionally, the regional government has filed a legal challenge before the Supreme Court seeking to nullify the 2000 decision that extended the AP-66 concession until 2050.