Polish A4 toll traffic drops as revenues climb before road becomes free

During the first half of 2026, traffic on the paid section of Poland’s A4 highway between Katowice and Krakow declined by 1.2% year‑on‑year, with an average of 48,215 vehicles per day compared with about 48,800 the previous year. The decrease was driven mainly by passenger cars, while freight traffic remained virtually unchanged.

Despite fewer users, toll revenue increased by 5% to 315.8 million zł, reflecting rate hikes introduced in April 2026. The new charges are 18 zł for passenger cars at each of the two plazas (up 1 zł), 32 zł for delivery vans (up 2 zł) and 55 zł for trucks (up 3 zł). The current concession for the operator ends on 15 March 2027, after which management will pass to GDDKiA and the stretch will become toll‑free.

The operator, Stalexport Autostrady, attributes the traffic drop to broader economic conditions rather than the higher fees.