Border checks on the A8: traffic congestion and gridlock between Gipuzkoa and Lapurdi (Euroregion, Eurocity and cross-border consortium)

15.6.2016

Question for written answer E-004861-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Josu Juaristi Abaunz (GUE/NGL)

The French authorities have imposed stricter border controls during the European Championships and Tour de France with the professed justification of preventing terrorism.

Traffic in the Basque border area, and the AP-8 motorway in particular, is being held up by long tailbacks, for which there are two main causes: police checks and the closure of many toll booths. Traffic congestion can be so bad that it leads to total gridlock on both the motorway and surrounding roads, giving rise to a large number of social and environmental problems. Hauliers are being particularly badly affected.

Without entering into the merits of the police measures, the fact of the matter is that the transportation of goods and people between Gipuzkoa and Lapurdi — which belong to a Euroregion, Eurocity and a cross-border consortium — is being seriously disrupted.

If immediate action is not taken, the situation will only deteriorate in July and August with the increase in southbound holiday traffic.

1. Is the Commission aware that the free movement of people and goods is being undermined in the Basque border area?

2. What view does it take of the fact that the temporary closure of half of the toll booths on the motorway in Biriatou is causing delays at inland border crossing points?

3. Does the Commission intend to take any steps or offer the national authorities any kind of solution in order to remedy the situation?