"The so-called 'abolition' only means the transfer of the cost of construction and maintenance of the sections in question, from users to taxpayers", says the APC in a statement.

The association chaired by Paulo Carmona does not comment on the political framework of the vote on the measure, but regrets that parties and commentators use the term abolition as "if with this vote we, all of us taxpayers, would stop paying for them".

Last Thursday, parliament generally approved the PS bill to eliminate tolls on the ex-SCUT with votes in favour of the socialists, Chega, BE, PCP, Livre and PAN, the abstention of IL and the vote against the PSD and CDS-PP.

The PS proposal - the only one that was approved - aims to end tolls on the A4 - Transmontana and Túnel do Marão, A13 and A13-1 - Pinhal Interior, A22 - Algarve, A23 - Beira Interior, A24 - Interior Norte, A25 - Beiras Litoral and Alta and A28 – Minho in the sections between Esposende and Antas and between Neiva and Darque.

According to the socialists, the measure has a budgetary impact of 157 million euros.

The APC criticises the fact that the parties assume the popularity of the measure among users, without mentioning the burden that has been passed on to those who do not use these roads, including those who do not have a car, and it is even strange that parties that have always positioned themselves "against the use of the car", have now voted in favour of this measure "which encourages its use".

“Distorting reality”

"This continued way of referring to the end of tolls, as if the measure were positive for the Portuguese, distorts reality, increases fiscal illiteracy, and prevents the debate that we regret does not exist about whether the cost - of road use or other services - it must be borne entirely through taxes, or also by the user-payer", highlights the civic association.

The APC also regrets that the Government criticises the vote on the project due to the impact it may have on the collection of revenue from "its accounts", forgetting that "the real losers" are the taxpayers.

In this context, he calls for the message to be reinforced that there is no "abolition of tolls", but rather "a transfer of the cost of construction and maintenance of the sections of motorways in question".

The APC sees itself as a non-partisan association that aims to rebalance the relationship between the State and taxpayers, contributing to "taxes being transparent, clear and easy to understand in their purpose of common good".


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