Road traffic between Italy and France climbs 15% in May v April

London, (Quantum Commodity Intelligence) - Vehicle traffic in the Frejus tunnel, used by around 80% of all trucks driving between France and Italy, rose in May to its highest level since September 2020, data from the operator showed Thursday, a dynamic that supports increasing consumption of diesel and gasoline in Europe.

A total of 113,821 vehicles crossed the tunnel, up 15% from April, as both countries relaxed social distancing measures amid lower Covid-19 cases. This was also up 90% from May 2020 levels.

Personal vehicles were responsible for the bulk of the increase, with their numbers rising by 60% on the month to 40,696.

By contrast, fewer trucks made the trip, even if at 72,260 they remained almost twice as numerous as cars.

Traffic rose on both sides of the border.

France reopened schools and relaxed social distancing measures at the start of May, thus allowing for an increase in mobility.

On 21 May, it allowed outdoor bars and restaurants to reopen. Italy partially reopened bars, restaurants, cinemas and concert halls at the end of April.

Frejus links France and Italy thanks to an 8-mile long tunnel below the Alps.