An Alpine view worth paying for?
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Travellers wishing to drive through Europe's most beautiful mountain passes, high in the Italian Dolomites, may have to pay for the privilege from next year.
Plans are already in place to charge motorists using the 2,757m Stelvio Pass, the highest paved route in the eastern Alps, with prices ranging from €5 (£4.30) for cars, to €12 for campervans and considerably more for coaches.
Local hotel owners have already expressed alarm. Luisa Gapp, who runs the Prato allo Stelvio Hotel, said: "We're extremely worried by this toll, not least because it comes at a very bad time. We're feeling the recession very badly."
But Luis Durnwalder, president of the South Tyrol province of Trentino, said the money collected from the Stelvio tolls would be used to improve the areas for tourists and climbers and "not for the provincial bank account".
Officials in the neighbouring province of Bolzano and in Belluno, in the Veneto region, are also considering tolls in some of their most famous mountain routes, including the Sella, Stalle and Gardena passes.
Last month, Unesco named the Dolomites a World Heritage Site on account of the area's exceptional beauty.
The Italian mountaineer Marco Confortola, who last year survived an ill-fated attempt to scale K2 in the Himalayas, told La Stampa newspaper he backed the tolls – but only if the money could be seen to improve tourist facilities. "If not, they'll just push tourists away," he said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments