MPs warn that increased traffic on the A22 will worsen the state of an already rundown road
Socialist Party (PS) MPs elected for the Algarve have urged the government to implement a regular maintenance and conservation plan for the A22 motorway in response to the surge in traffic that has followed the recent removal of toll charges, particularly from heavy and cargo vehicles.
In a joint statement, the MPs stress that the road is already badly rundown in several sections of the A22. “With the arrival of winter, the end of tolls and an increase in traffic, the road’s condition will worsen even faster,” the MPs warn, urging Portugal’s infrastructure authority (IP) to act to guarantee the safety of drivers.
The road’s poor condition had already raised more than a few eyebrows even when tolls – considered illegal by the European Commission – were still charged on the motorway, the MPs add.
Meanwhile, Jamila Madeira, Jorge Botelho and Luís Graça are also calling for the removal of toll gantries along the motorway. They argue that these structures, still in place despite the tolls being abolished from January 1, 2025, continue to mislead drivers, particularly those entering Portugal from Spain, by displaying outdated information about toll charges.
michael.bruxo@portugalresident.com
