The fourth day of discussions on the 2026 State Budget proposal saw the examination of the Socialist initiative by sections, with all clauses receiving approval despite opposition votes from governing parties PSD and CDS-PP.
With the measure passed, the government must conduct a study by the end of 2026 on traffic flows on the highways of Porto’s Metropolitan Area and surrounding regions. The objective is to assess potential toll collection changes on traffic congestion relief, particularly on Porto’s Internal Ring Road, including partial exemptions on the A41 CREP, relocation of existing toll points on the A4 between Matosinhos and Maia, or applying variable rates.
Until this study is concluded, toll charges for heavy vehicles using the A41 CREP highway will be suspended.
In parallel, another study is required by the end of 2026 regarding the negative impacts of road traffic on the Batalha Monastery, identifying necessary mitigation measures.
Until this analysis is completed, toll charges for heavy vehicles using the A19 between São Jorge and Leiria Sul (A8/A19 junction) and the A8 between Leiria Sul (A8/A19 junction) and Pousos will be suspended.
Another approved clause tasks the Mobility and Transport Authority with drafting a study for the Assembly of the Republic by June 31, 2026. This study will address the medium and long-term financing of the road network, considering maintenance and investment needs, social and territorial equity, and the nearing end of existing concession and subcontract agreements.
In total, three initiatives to exempt tolls on various routes were approved by the Socialist Party.
During the afternoon, an initiative exempting tolls on the A25 Costa da Prata and Beiras Litoral e Alta was passed. Currently, part of the highway is toll-free, but a small section still requires payment. The Socialist Party proposed eliminating tolls on the entire A25 to address this inconsistency.
Another initiative validated toll exemptions on parts of the A6 and A2, restricted to certain segments and residents or companies within specific “areas of influence” along these highways.
For the A6, the exemption covers the A2/A6/A13 and Caia junctions, and for the A2, the A2/A6/A13 and Almodôvar junctions, utilizing an electronic device linked to the vehicle license plate, as outlined in the Socialist Party’s proposal.
Five toll-related initiatives proposed by Chega were all rejected.
At the budget debate’s conclusion, the Secretary of State for Budget, José Maria Brandão de Brito, warned that opposition proposals to abolish tolls would surpass an annual impact of 100 million euros, urging parties to exercise restraint.
