A joint request by Benidorm, Villa Joyosa and El Campello has been submitted to the Government requesting urgent attention in addressing accident "black spots" along the N332, in particular the stretch between Villa Joyosa and El Campello.

Originally, an investment of 43 million euros was allocated for the 13.5 kilometer stretch of road but to date nothing has begun. Since the start of the economic crisis, more and more drivers are using this free route rather than the AP7 toll road and the rate of accidents has increased due to the increased volume of traffic. The increasing toll price has also put many off. Most shuttle transfer buses use this route as do works lorries, causing frustration to drivers and overtaking at any opportunity. Most ex-pats driving here have experienced the recklessness of Spanish drivers hell bent on overtaking.

Slow lorries provoke aggression in motorists

Rather than spending this vast and quite frankly unnecessary amount, surely it would make more economic sense to make that stretch of the AP7 free? Or is that too obvious a solution I wonder.... The N332 road widening between Carrefour and the Terra Mitica turn off is still not complete yet they keep promising that it will be ready at the beginning of every Summer, when holiday traffic multiplies considerably.

I for one seldom use the AP7 toll road, mainly due to the astronomical charge. However, some weeks ago I took a trip down to Ikea in Murcia and did use it. The charge for the stretch between Benidorm and just after Alicante airport was 7.10 euro! But, how many of you were aware that if you present a toll receipt at the till when paying for your Ikea shopping they refund the money! Needless to say, I took the free N332 on the way back.