Mayor of La Linea defends 'Frontier Toll' to Gibraltar

Alejandro Sanchez, the mayor of the Spanish town of La Linea which is now charging a toll to cross the border into Gibraltar, has reported how the Gibraltans are nervous because the toll, which he is calling a congestion charge, is 'perfectly legal.'

Sanchez went on to justify the new charge by stating how the concept is already applied in London and other areas of Europe. He also stated how he is confident that the toll will gain the full backing and support of the community.

He gave an interview to the Spanish press, talking of his confusion that the PSOE was supporting Gibraltar in the issue - against a Spanish municipality.

Sanchez stated how the Municipality currently ‘accommodates’ in excess of one million vehicle per year passing through to Gibraltar – many of which are heavy goods vehicles which transport sand and construction materials to reclaim parts of the Island. That, he claims, is an illegal move that is going unchallenged.

In addition to the PSOE, the mayor has also lashed out at the President of Andalusia, who he has described as favouring the interests of the Gibraltans ahead of the common Andalusian people, and Spain’s foreign minister, who he has described as being weak and afraid of the English.

The association of Spanish workers in Gibraltar, ASTECG, have elected to stage a demonstration in mid-September in opposition of the frontier toll. Although they would be exempt from the toll, their concern is that it could lead to loss of work. The Association are petitioning on both Gibraltar and La Linea, where they argue that the move could adversely affect the economy of the Town.