Following discussions with the Minister of Infrastructure, Miguel Pinto Luz, the Mayor of Porto, Rui Moreira, clarified the concept of “tendentially free” referring to distinctions between freight and passenger vehicles, as well as times of day.
“This should not impact passenger transportation,” the mayor argued, indicating that “the second point to be assessed is whether this should apply at all hours or be based on a cost-benefit analysis.”
Rui Moreira believes it might not be worthwhile to apply an exemption “for a vehicle passing between 03:00 and 04:00” on the VCI.
The mayor noted that this measure involves revisiting a study from 2020, which proposed changes to toll gates on the A28 and A4, now including Gondomar.
“What the minister proposed was to resume a study involving all municipalities (…) to find a harmonious solution that avoids past disagreements,” particularly with Matosinhos, said Rui Moreira.
Since at least September 2024, the current government has been attempting to establish a “definitive solution” for traffic issues on the VCI, having engaged in both individual and collective meetings with officials from the AMP on the subject over the months.
