This article contains information about how to pay the toll for residents of Portugal and visitors to the Algarve.
From December 8 (2011) motorists using the A22 in the Algarve will be charged electronically each time they pass a toll camera.
This system involves a series of cameras placed along the motorway which will record all vehicles travelling the road.
Residents must buy a transponder which is fixed to the windscreen of the car behind the rear view mirror and sends a signal to the cameras.
Travellers are charged 0.07 euro per kilometre, so 128km would cost €8.96.
Locally registered residents with Portuguese registered car
The transponder costs €27.50 and can be bought from the issuers, Via Verde (www.viaverde.pt) or from local post offices (www.ctt.pt) in person.
Users can then pay by a linked bank account (Portuguese only) or by pre or post pay at the post office or payshops and Via Verde shops. The system is similar to how mobile phones are used.
If a charge is unpaid, the users then have up to five days to pay before additional fines are added. A minimum of €10 can be pre-paid.
In order to buy the device and register an account, residents will need the proof of residency status, fiscal number, car registration details and if using the automatic payment, a Portuguese bank account.
There are also discounts that will apply. Residents will be exempt for 10 uses each month and a further 15% on all other uses.
Foreign registered vehicles for residents and visitors
Users can pre-pay with their vehicle registration number at the post office (www.ctt.pt)
There will also be temporary devices available for hire, costing €27 and with additional administrative charges. These will be valid for up to 90 days after which they can be re-registered as they must be linked to an individual vehicle.
Registering for a device is possible online at Via Verde but currently it is only in Portuguese, English speakers should visit their local post office for assistance.
Rental car users
Visitors to the Algarve using rental cars can ask for instructions from the rental company.
Rental cars will be fitted with a transponder and charges will happen automatically.
Currently, visitors will be asked to pay for their use at the post offices and at pay shops or online using the post office website (www.ctt.pt).
In future there are plans to offer places to pay at service stations.
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Next article we will inform you about Christmas in the Algarve.
Warm regards,
Michele