Saudi Arabia is considering plans to introduce road tolls by 2020, according to the kingdom’s Minister of Transport Nabil Al-Amoudi
In an interview with Arabic daily Makkah newspaper, Al-Amoudi said the ministry is currently considering a proposal to introduce road tolls in Riyadh.
The recommendation is part of a report currently being prepared about the privatisation of transport projects in Saudi Arabia, which suggests six roads in Riyadh could have tolls by start of 2020.
He said the proposed road toll fee will be submitted to the high commissioner for approval after the study is completed.
The interview took place on the sidelines of the launch of nine road projects in the Eastern region valued at $400 million (SAR1.5bn).
He said the new King Hamad Causeway (running parallel to King Fahd Causeway), which was put out for tender recently, is being considered under a public-private investment model, with foreign investment also a possibility. A full feasibility report is expected to be completed by the middle of next year.