Portugal abolishes tolls on significant motorways
Portugal Abolishes Tolls on Major Motorways: A New Era for Transport
In a significant move towards enhancing mobility and road safety, Portugal has announced the abolition of tolls on several major motorways as of January 1, 2025. This decision, aimed at reducing costs for road users and improving regional accessibility, has garnered support from various political parties, including the Socialist Party, Chega, Bloco de Esquerda, PCP, Livre, and PAN.
The affected motorways include the A4, A13 and A13-1, A22, A23, A24, A25, and specific sections of the A28. This policy shift is expected to have a profound impact on public finances, traffic patterns, and local economies, requiring careful monitoring and assessment in the coming years.
Local business owners and cross-border commuters have expressed approval, anticipating increased economic activity and tourism, particularly in border regions. However, concerns have been raised about the degradation of the Via do Infante's surface due to the anticipated increase in traffic following the toll abolition. The Via do Infante Users Commission and Deputy Luís Graça have called for a regular maintenance and conservation plan, as well as the immediate dismantling of toll gantries to prevent potential future reinstatement of tolls.
The ruling Social Democratic Party, on the other hand, voted against the measure, advocating for a gradual reduction of tolls rather than an abrupt elimination. The Portuguese Taxpayers Association has criticised the move, suggesting it shifts infrastructure costs from road users to the general taxpayer.
The Portuguese government claims that this decision is part of a broader strategy to improve road safety, particularly in regions where high-capacity highways lack safe and quality alternative routes. However, Portugal's toll removal decision does not address the issue of old toll gantries still signaling toll roads to incoming drivers. Algarve PS deputies have urged the Ministry of Infrastructure to ensure that Infraestruturas de Portugal removes these old toll gantries, especially those at the Guadiana River border.
The Technical Project Monitoring Unit (UTAP) under the Ministry of Finance projects an increase in public-private partnership (PPP) costs by €1.106bn as a result of this policy. As of February 2025, the government has not officially responded to these calls.
In conclusion, Portugal's decision to remove tolls from these motorways represents a significant shift in transport policy. The long-term effects on public finances, traffic patterns, and local economies will be a topic of ongoing discussion and analysis in the coming years.
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