Road rage as Albania introduces toll on Kosovo highway
Angry protesters have burned toll booths on Albania's first modern toll road. The road is physical and symbolic link between ethnic Albanians in Kosovo and Albania.
Road rage
Hundreds of protesters gathered on an Albanian highway to object to the introduction of tolls. Police said 14 officers were injured, while local media reported protesters were also hurt.
Booths torched
The crowd threw stones at police and torched toll booths in violent scenes. The planned tolls range from €2.50 to €22.50.
An important link
An international consortium has been granted a 30-year concession to maintain the road, build new links and charge tolls.
Coastal connection
Many tourists from landlocked Kosovo use the link to reach Albania's Adriatic coast. The road reduces travel times from six hours to two.
European route
Construction on the SH5 highway started in 2006 and still continues. It forms part of the E851 network starting in Petrovac, Montenegro and ending in Pristina, Kosovo.
Billion-euro project
The 110-kilometer Albanian portion cost more than €1 billion ($1.2 billion). The road passes through steep mountainous terrain with a series of viaducts and a 5.5 kilometer double-bore tunnel. The road is Albania's first-ever modern toll road.