The Portuguese Association of Motorway and Bridge Concession Companies with Tolls (APCAP) argues that, when the abolition of tolls on former SCUTs goes, the cost will be borne by taxpayers.

“Regarding the decision taken in parliament, we consider it useful to draw attention to the fact that, if the total abolition of toll collection in the ex-SCUT progresses, its cost will be fully borne by all taxpayers, through the State Budget ”, stated the president of APCAP, Manuel Melo Ramos, in a statement to Lusa.

The deputies of the Economy, Public Works, and Housing Committee approved the socialists' project that eliminates tolls on the ex-SCUT, during the vote on the specialty.

The association also argued that its knowledge and experience in infrastructure management can contribute to a decision “with less impact on the public purse”.

For APCAP, knowledge of the sector allows it to ensure solutions “capable of reflecting models adjusted to each situation”, thus showing itself fully available to dialogue and collaborate on this matter.

In May, parliament generally approved the PS bill to eliminate tolls on the ex-SCUT with the votes in favor of the socialists, Chega, BE, PCP, Livre, and PAN, the abstention of IL, and the vote against the PSD and the 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.

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