Heroes often come in the form of people who simply refuse to look the other way. Stella Bosworth returned to Estepona on Thursday, April 23, to receive a silver plaque in honour of her unwavering determination in 1984. That year, she witnessed the lethal nature of the coastal road, the A340, now the A-7, and delivered a stern ultimatum to her boss: build a bridge or lose a manager.

Stella told her boss, developer Alan James, in no uncertain terms, “I’m going to have to resign, because I don’t want any more people being killed on that road. We’ve got to build a bridge.” Her stance provoked a movement that transformed safety on what was then one of Europe’s most dangerous stretches of tarmac. Alan James, founder of The Experience Group, took the extraordinary step of privately funding the crossing after official channels failed to act.

Private funding for public safety

Alan recalled the frustration of the era during the presentation at the Benavista footbridge. “I went to Estepona town hall, but nothing. I went to the Malaga town hall, but nothing,” he explained. He decided the community could not wait any longer for bureaucrats to move, as the delays were impacting essential services and safety in the area. “We decided that it had to be done, so we paid for it and built the bridge. So, it was the determination from this lady, when she was still a slip of a lass, that saved hundreds of lives.”

Dangers are still there on the A-7

Danger remains a constant on the A-7, as evidenced by a three-car pile-up that occurred just 30 metres away, only five minutes before the ceremony started. This accident served as a grim reminder of why Bosworth’s intervention was so vital. Without her tenacity, Alan believes a footbridge “probably wouldn’t have even been thought of for another 10 years”. Scores of similar crossings now line the coast, yet this original structure remains a symbol of individual initiative and life-saving determination.

Council confirms long-awaited upgrades

Estepona councillors attended the ceremony to officially announce that extended works have been approved. Funding for ramp access is now budgeted, making sure that people with disabilities, the elderly, and parents with prams will be able to access the crossing safely. Stella Bosworth and Alan James remain an inspiration, proving that taking the first step can create a lasting, life-saving legacy for the community.

Drivers pack Spain’s Costa del Sol motorway daily in ever-growing numbers despite some of the highest road tolls in the country. Demand keeps rising steadily across the vital links simultaneously as accidents and roadworks jam up the free-to-use A-7 on almost a daily basis.

Costa del Sol motorway dominates national traffic charts

The paid road from Malaga to Guadiaro moves more traffic than any other toll motorway in Spain. Averages exceed 40,000 vehicles every day. Recovery from pandemic lows proved quick and sustained with steady year-on-year increases. Current levels comfortably surpass those seen in 2019, making it an essential artery along the southern coast. Many commuters and holidaymakers choose this route for its direct access to popular destinations.

Las Pedrizas motorway achieves remarkable growth

Strong momentum defines the AP-46 route, which takes traffic into the Costa del Sol from the interior too. Daily counts approached 19,000 vehicles recently. Heavy lorries contributed notably to the rise with major jumps in commercial traffic. This link functions as a crucial artery for freight entering and leaving Malaga, supporting regional commerce effectively. In fact, business activity is flourishing thanks to improved connectivity.

The most expensive tolls in Spain do little to deter users

Costs remain steep along these corridors. Round trips on the Costa del Sol section run about €15 in quieter seasons and rise sharply in busier months, such as Easter and summer. Las Pedrizas charges hover around €4 for the full journey covering 28 kilometres. Motorists still opt for speed and convenience over cheaper alternatives available nearby. Users have felt little alternative but to accept the charges in exchange for faster travel times, better safety standards, and less chance of landing in a traffic jam.

Global funds get ownership of profitable assets –  Why the AP-7 won’t be free

International investors recognise the potential here clearly. French group Meridiam owns the entire Costa del Sol contract outright after acquiring full control in recent years. The central government says it would be too expensive to buy them out and make the roads public and free-to-use. Aberdeen Infrastructure, together with Vauban partners, controls the Las Pedrizas operator following a major transaction. High volumes combined with firm tolls create attractive business propositions for these entities, turning the roads into reliable revenue generators. So, there is little chance of them being opened up as toll-free roads in the foreseeable future.