THE State Budget of 2025 It brought a significant novelty to the Portuguese who depend on the highlights, especially in the interior and Algarve regions. The document approved by Parliament provides for abolition of tolls on various highwaysknown as former SCUT (at no cost to the user), with effect from January 1, 2025.
The origin of scuts in Portugal
To the Scuts were introduced in Portugal in 1997 as a way to support the development of the most isolated areas in the country, offering SELFTED WITHOUT COST FOR USER. These roads, as the name suggests, were initially free, with the construction and maintenance cost fully supported by the state. The goal was to encourage growth and accessibility in less favored regions, facilitating transport and mobility for residents and visitors.
However, in 2011due to economic problems that resulted from the 2008 financial crisis, the government decided Introduce tolls on scuts. This decision was justified as a necessary measure to increase state revenue. Thus, users began to pay for the use of freeways that, until then, were free. This amendment generated controversy, as many argued that the collection of tolls on scuts contradicted the initial purpose of promoting access without costs to the more isolated regions.
Sleep affected by the end of the former professional
With the new decree promulgated by the President of the Republic, several highlights will be free of tolls from 2025. Among them are the following:
- A4 – Marão Tunnel and Transmontana Section
- A13 and A13-1 – Inner pineglass
- A22 – Algarve
- A23 – Beira Interior
- A24 – North Interior
- A25 – Beiras Litoral and High
- A28 – Minho sections between Esposende and Antas, and between Neiva and Darque
These highlights cover several regions, and the elimination of the tolls will mainly benefit residents of the interior and Algarve areaswhich depend on these roads for daily and long -haul travel.
Details of the new decree of toll abolition
According to the note published on the Presidency's website, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa indicates that, along with six other decrees of Parliament, decided to promulgate the “decree that eliminates toll rates in the stories of the interior motorways and on roads where there are no alternatives that allow use with quality and safety, revoking Decree-Law No. 97/2023 of 17 October. “
This decision was approved to ensure that the residents of these regions have access to safe and quality travel. The measure also intends Revitalize the interior of the countryfacilitating access and encouraging mobility to boost the local economy.
Economic impact of the end of the tolls in 2025
THE State Budget Report for 2025 estimates that the abolition of tolls in former SCUTs will result in a Loss of about 180 million euros in annual revenues for the state. This amount represents the amount that the government raised annually with the collection of tolls on the highways in question. However, it also provides for a reduction of costs associated with the toll collection servicealthough the exact impact of this reduction was not quantified in the report.
The loss of revenue raises questions about the financial sustainability of this measure in the long run. The government should find ways to compensate for revenues, and one of the solutions can undergo budget adjustments or a redistribution of resources allocated to different areas of public expense.
Political controversy and parliamentary debate
The decision to abolish the tolls on former SCUTs was not unanimous and has generated a heated Debate in Parliament. The bill was originally proposed by the PS, but its approval was supported by parties such as BE, PCP, PAN and arrives. In contrast, the PSD and CDS-PP voted against the measure, while the Liberal Initiative Party chose to abstain.
The theme of former areas has always been controversial in Portugal, mainly due to economic impact of tolls on the residents of the affected regions. Those who oppose the abolition of tolls argue that the state should not bear the maintenance costs of these roads, especially in times of budgetary challenges. On the other hand, the advocates of the measure point out that the Mobility is an essential rightespecially for residents of the most isolated and economically disadvantaged areas.
Future perspectives and social impact
The abolition of tolls in former scuts represents a significant change in transport policy in Portugal. This measure may have a positive impact on the Quality of life of residents of the interior and the Algarvebecause it facilitates access and reduces the costs associated with daily travel. In addition, by encouraging the use of the highways, the government expects DECOGESTIONING SECONDARY ROADS and improve road safety, reducing the risk of accidents on less appropriate roads for intense traffic.
However, the measure also raises challenges for the government, which will need compensate for the loss of revenue and guarantee the adequate maintenance of the highways toll exempt. Future discussions on financing and investment in infrastructures may be necessary, especially if the maintenance cost of former SCUTs represents a significant financial charge for the state.
THE abolition of tolls on ex-scuts From 2025 it is a historical measure that aims to facilitate mobility and promote territorial cohesion in Portugal. By eliminating circulation costs on various highways, the government expects Revitalize the interior of the country And ensure that all citizens have access to safe and affordable transportation. However, the financial impact of this measure and divided political reactions indicate that the end of the tolls will be a topic of discussion in the coming years.
