The government is having a good look at reducing the toll charges on the Via do Infante motorway, according to local socialist MP António Eusébio.
In fact the whole socialist party “is working with the ministry in order to reduce the amount charged" or to put forward other measures such as "discounts for HGVs and during quiet times of the night and day."
The MP said that "something might even be done this year," but for now he would not commit himself to a deadline, after all, this was only an election promise by the sociaist prime minister.
In terms of revenue, the government will want to keep the tolls as high as possible this summer. This should be easy with toll revenues swollen by desperate drivers seeking refuge and solace on the A22 while avoiding the chaos of the EN125 where roadworks will be continuing through what is predicted to be the busiest tourist season for a decade.
Lisbon signed a disastrous deal for the Via do Infante which, many argue should not be tolled at all as it was 75% funded by the EU.
The concession holder, ultimately the Spanish company Ferrovial, has a guaranteed income from a mixture of tolls and government (aka taxpayer,) subsidies when traffic volume drops, which of course it did as soon as the road was tolled.
The Passos Coelho mantra of “user pays” means that the A22 driver pays, and then the Portuguese taxpayer pays to ensure the concession holder gets the stipulated income level.
Years later and now in power, the socialists’ promise to ‘look into things as soon as possible’ inspires little confidence.
Comments
A kind of rebelling. That the Portuguese elite avoid paying full whack for anything so why should we little people? Us non-entities. For the psychiatrists to comment fuller on but clearly something learnt, like Pink Mapping, at an early age and never subsequently questioned as wrong.
And during the latest election campaign, socialist leader António Costa promised to abolish the tolls on the A22.
So the Socialist government knows about the contracts (since they originally signed them) and they have promised to abolish the tolls. What are they waiting for?
Discounts for HGVs at certain times of the day are not the solution.
Very hard to nullify, certainly a full investigation would be required.
Let's not forget that the current government was also there at the time, in opposition.
A wily deal broker would have made sure ALL the wheels were greased.
So abolition of the tolls probably won't happen, but lowering the rates would be sensible; it would lead to higher usage and higher revenue.
The system is unworkable and a major deterrent to tourism.