Saudi eyes road tolls from 2020

Saudi Arabia's minister of transport has confirmed the kingdom is studying plans to implement road tolls, according to reports. Nabil Al-Amoudi told Arabic publication

Makkah that six roads had been identified to start charging fees from 2020.

The imposition of tolls will be submitted to the high commissioner for approval after the completion of the current study, but the exact roads that could be affected and pricing structure for the system were not disclosed.

The tolls come under wider privatisation plans for the transport sector as the kingdom undertakes a number of mega projects to expand its infrastructure.

Al-Amoudi was speaking on the sidelines of an event where nine road projects worth SAR1.5bn ($400m) were approved in the Eastern Province.

Dubai is currently the only GCC city to have road tolls in effect under its Salik system, which charges Dhs4 ($1) per gate crossed. The city uses the proceeds to pay for transport infrastructure and other projects.

Abu Dhabi has also installed toll gates but they are yet to be activated.