Ile de Re frets over toll-free bridge

Description:

Renowned for its popularity with well-heeled Parisiens and city dwellers, as both a holiday destination and a place to own a second home, the Ile de Re survived the introduction of the feared 3km road bridge back in 1988, with its allure and tranquillity intact.  The hefty toll having deterred many day-trippers and campers.

Now though, locals are already looking ahead to 2012, the point at which the construction costs will have been paid, and the point at which the bridge becomes toll-free.  Many believe that the islands roads cannot cope with a greater influx of traffic, a point illustrated in May when the road system was paralysed during school holidays.  The removal of tolls would mean that the island would become a more affordable option for day-trippers and campers.

There are concerns over the effect of increased traffic on the environment, and the local administration is considering options including parking areas, motor scooters and buses, and the possibility of extending a form of toll after 2012, including an eco-tax. Local groups are organising a ‘save the island' campaign, lobbying officials to come up with a compromise to a toll-free bridge.

There are also concerns that property prices may be affected by the island becoming more accessible to the masses, although conversely this could have a positive impact for those born-and-bred islanders who cannot afford to buy property here, and are forced to live on the mainland.