The Chamber of Lagos approved a motion against the Government's decision to postpone the construction of the Odiáxere bypass to the EN125, considering that it demonstrates “the Government's lack of sensitivity to the accessibility and safety problems arising from this measure, contributing to the reduction the quality of life of residents and to increase disparities in economic and tourist development in this region of the Barlavento Algarve».
«This decision was taken following the introduction of tolls on the Via do Infante (A22) without the completion of the EN 125 requalification works, which, without the existence of the Odiáxere bypass, made traffic in this town, as has already been seen. this summer, even more dangerous for pedestrians and motorists, causing chaos in the accesses to Lagos and to all the municipalities of the “Terras do Infante” (Lagos, Aljezur and Vila do Bispo)», considered the municipality.
The Câmara de Lagos also highlighted the "bad image" that this reality transmits from Barlavento, to those who visit it. An area of the Algarve that, «in tourist terms, must be safe and accessible, to be internationally competitive».
The mayor of the municipality Júlio Barroso recalled that Lagos was the last city to receive the Via do Infante, having waited "from 1992 to 2003", in other words, 11 years. “We suffer from discrimination in terms of accessibility, with an obvious impact on the development and economy of companies, families and citizens. There were supposed to be no tolls. Afterwards, there were supposed to be tolls only after the requalification of the EN 125. Now we have tolls and the redevelopment of the EN125 is a mirage. The municipality of Lagos and the other “Terras do Infante” (Aljezur and Vila do Bispo) will continue to suffer the effect of the periphery: more distant, more expensive, with more uncomfortable and insecure accessibility. In short, once again forgotten and mistreated by the governments of Lisbon that promise with one hand and take with two», considered the mayor.
Comments