At long last, a study into the economic affect of the Via do Infante toll system.
The Faro socialists have not gone as far as calling for the lifting of tolls but say that the new technical study, conducted by a group of economists and professors at the University of the Algarve, show that a big reduction in toll rate will increase revenue.
The study concludes that "it is technically possible to reduce the tolls on the A22 by up to 50% with gains for individuals, families and businesses in the region and without any increase in public spending as the ‘elasticity effect’ will increased demand when the cost of travel is reduced."
"It is completely unacceptable that the Algarve pay higher tolls than the rest of the country," said socialist Jose Apolinario, who wants tolls reduced by not less than 30%, 50% would be better, to the benefit of citizens, businesses and institutions.
According to the figures presented today by the Socialists, "there is a difference of about 30% between the tariffs applied on the Via do Infante and other tolled roads thus penalising individuals and companies in the Algarve region."
The PS gives as an example of the rates charged between Lisbon and Torres Novas and between Odiáxere and Monte Gordo in a Class 1 vehicle. The Lisbon trip is €3.30 cheaper than the same distance in the Algarve, or €5.90 cheaper in the case of a class 2 vehicle.
"We need a reduction of at least 30% in toll charges in order to ensure compliance with the principle of equality and non-discrimination in the amount charged per kilometer for users of the Via do Infante," argues Jose Apolinario.
The socialists also propose a discount plan for frequent users and special rates for heavy goods vehicles and nighttime travel.
The socialists say they still are demanding "in the name of transparency" the publication of a progress report for the Via do Infante finances as well as an annual report of accident costs on the EN125 and other local roads.
Last Friday's lunchtime discussion hosted by anti-tolls action group CUVI saw over 100 people gather in Almancil to listen to what Paulo Morais, the anti-corruption candidate for the Presidency, had to add.
Morais explained the PPP system as had been used on the nation’s roads, many of which had been built with EU grants and then hijacked by government as an easy source of money and which pushed the country into long term debt.
Half of the revenue from the Via do Infante now goes to pay off the money raised on a road that was mostly funded by a grant but now suffers from guaranteed payments to the concession holder.
This ‘assault on the Algarve’s pocket’ has served to depress the region’s single industry, tourism.
The delegates agreed that the mayors’ at their AMAL talking shop should join business and political leaders to insist that enough is enough - suspend the unfair toll scheme, forget the illusion of promised post-election discounts and for once, make a stand.
