Mairies in favour of new eco-tax for Île d’Oléron

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Islanders have long debated the possibility of an eco-tax imposed on traffic crossing the 3km viaduct, ever since the previous toll was withdrawn in 1991.  This time however, the elected officials of the eight collective communes of the island are in agreement that a new toll should be introduced in order to help pay for damage to the environment.

Unlike the comparatively exorbitant toll to get onto the île de Ré (16,50€ in summer), this proposed new tax will be designed to avoid deterring tourists, who are key to the economy of the island.  The toll could be set at around 3€, and the proceeds would be used to help deal with the consequences of the island's popularity with tourists.

The money could be used to help clean beaches, restore and protect forests and marshes, and other environmental projects.  Sud-Ouest newspaper conducted a straw-poll of the local Mairies, who all said they would be in favour of introducing the new tax.  It will come as no surprise if the island gets its wish, with a decision possible at the next meeting of the Conseil Communautaire.