Study on the entire national network of motorways is ready and concludes there is room to lower rates and increase traffic.

It is complete and able to enter into short-term working one toll rates reduction plan in the national network of highways. Although it has not been possible to obtain comments on this issue by the Ministry of Economy, or IP – Infrastructure Portugal, Diário Económico knows that over the last few years have in-depth studies have been conducted to evaluate the possibility of reducing rates toll without jeopardizing the sustainability of the sector and the utilities in Portugal.

The possibility of reducing the toll rates was admitted in recent days by Passos Coelho and António Costa on the campaign trail. Prime Minister defends the reduction of tolls to improve acessibildade regions of the Interior. Opposition leader goes further and argues lower tolls, not only in the interior but also in the border regions and on motorways with greater influx of tourists.

There are several solutions that can be chosen by the future government, whoever wins the parliamentary elections on October 4, but seems to be out of the question to introduce toll reductions only Numas motorways and in some regions, leaving prices intact elsewhere. The reduction of tolls to be global throughout the network and may be 5%, 10% or 15%. These variations depend on the conclusions the study reached about what the influx of revenues from traffic increase these descents of tolls would allow in certain highway or section. At issue is maintaining the “balance system”, as well as ensure their financial sustainability.

You can also opt for a greater reduction of tolls for heavy vehicles. What is also no question is the reintroduction of exemptions for local motorists, the European Union prohibited by constitute discrimination based on proximity exemptions. (Read more)

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