Tunnel data shows France-Italy journeys at 10-month high

Quantum Commodity Intelligence – Vehicle traffic in the Frejus tunnel, a key route between Italy and France, climbed in June to a 10-month high as private car crossings increased, data from the operator showed Monday.

A total of 124,122 vehicles crossed the tunnel during the month, up 9% from May. Most of the increase was explained by private car crossings, which surged 18% on the month to 47,928.

Around 80% of truck journeys between Italy and France use the crossing and truck traffic gained 4% on the month to 75,084, while bus traffic increased 28% to 1,110.

Crossings increased in both directions, but French to Italy flows (+14% on the month) rose more quickly than volumes from Italy to France (+5%).

However, overall traffic in the tunnel remained 12% below June 2019 levels, before the Covid-19 pandemic, highlighting the ongoing impact of social distancing measures in Europe.

Separate figures from France's Centre d'études et d'expertise sur les risques, l'environnement, la mobilité et l'aménagement (Cerema) available until 21 June show overall French vehicle traffic up around a quarter from January 2020 levels.

France and Italy eased Covid-19 restrictions progressively through May and June. Since 16 May, tourists travelling between the two countries no longer need to undergo mandatory quarantine, even if they still need to offer a negative Covid test or proof of vaccination.

France allowed indoor dining at restaurants on 9 June, while on 30 June it removed a night curfew that had been in place since 30 October 2020. Italy, meanwhile, reopened its restaurants at the end of April.