UPDATED OCTOBER 30
Here is a selection of what YOU are saying about the introduction of tolls on the A22. Email us at saynototolls@theresidentgroup.com.
STILL INCENSED I have just spent two wonderful weeks in Almancil. We decided to return to our house in France via Fatima, Porto and then onto Spain. I was completely unprepared for the exorbitant tolls I had to pay. At the first toll booth the charge was Almeirim – Paderne 38.70 Euros; then, IC 24 pv – Fatima: 21.75 Euros, then Fatima – Santarem: 6.55 Euros and then Valenca pv – Maia pv: 13.85 Euros. A total of 80.85 euros. I do not pay this from the south to the north of France.
I am used to paying tolls in Spain and France but I do not usually feel that I have bought the road. My car, an Isuzu Trooper four-wheel drive, was classed as Class 2, doubling the tolls. When I queried this at the only manned toll we came across I was told that this is because the gate measures the height above ground to the underside of the vehicle. A totally illogical way of finding class types. My car is class one everywhere else in Europe and on any car ferry I use. In addition of course as a large car it uses a lot of fuel a good tax earner.
Also, when we arrived at the first toll I had to find cash as the machines do not accept plastic. Can you imagine what would have happened if I did not have cash in the car? Lucky this time, but in a cashless society carrying large sums of money is unusual.
I am still incensed so much so that I intend taking this up with the Minister of Public Works and Transport. Because the wonderful holiday was spoilt so much so that the next time I visit Portugal I will use Spanish roads and cut across country to my destination, thereby depriving the government of the Tolls by using local roads. Perhaps you can advise of any help I can give you in bringing the government to their senses. Also is the Minister the right person to complain to? DAVID HAYTER
NO TOLLS ON A22!! JAMES TREW
