The Portuguese government is changing the way it manages the use of some of the main roads in the country.
Some motorways that were previously free have lost that feature as the government has started to charge for their use. These motorways will only have overhead gantry systems, (as shown in the photograph) and they will not have toll booths or machines where you can pay as you go.
Starting in November 2011 the A22 (Algarve), A23 (Torres Novas-Guarda), A24 (Viseu-Chaves) and A25 (Vilar Formoso-Aveiro) will not be free any more.
PAYMENT ALTERNATIVES
There are essentially 2 options to pay for the use of theses motorways: electronic and manual.
1. Electronic payment
If you have a DE, (Electronic Device for payment,) then you can pay electronically by loading an amount on to it or you can be debited automatically from your bank account.
You can lease a Temporary Device (TD) from CTT/post offices or motorway service stations. The price for the leasing is proportional to the leasing period, around €6 for the 1st week and an extra €1,50 for following weeks (+VAT). A 27€ deposit is also payable. (Please note these prices may have changed since this document was created). The deposit is re-fundable on return of the device but any remaining credit will not be refunded.
When leasing the device, you can choose between two methods of payment for toll charges:
- Direct payment: debit from a multibanco or credit card for the tolls charges used;
- Pre-payment: preloading a minimum of 10 Euros, please note that in this case, the preloaded and unused balance is non-refundable.
2. Manual payment
If you do not have an Electronic Device for automatic payment then you should go to a ‘PayShop’ or CTT (post office) within 5 days of using the motorway -but not on the same day of use- with your vehicle registration number and pay the tolls for the motorways you’ve used in previous days. An administration fee will also be added to the amount due. If it is not paid within 5 days then fines will also be added.
FINES
If you do not have an Electronic Device or do not manually pay the due charges then you will be fined. Photos are taken of registration plates and bills and fines will be sent to your registered home address in your country of origin.