The tourist tax to replace the payment of tolls on the A22/Via do Infante, proposed by the Left Block, within the scope of the discussion of the State Budget for 2018, approved yesterday in the Assembly of the Republic, was rejected by the PS, CDS and PCP and the abstention of the PSD, denounced today the Blocist deputy João Vasconcelos, elected by the Algarve.
The blocistas had presented two proposals for the elimination of tolls in Via do Infante, but they saw both being rejected, always with the votes of the PS, in addition to other parties.
In a statement, the Algarvian parliamentarian explained that the first proposal provided for the "pure and simple elimination" of tolls on the A22, "similar to the proposals presented in the last two Budgets". But this proposal “was again rejected with the PS's vote against and the PSD and CDS abstaining. This would be the most adequate approval and that the Bloc has always defended».
If the previous proposal was rejected - which happened - the Block presented "another proposal, considering that PS, PSD and CDS tell us that the country cannot do without toll collection revenues", which involved the "creation of a small special tourist contribution to be paid by tourists in the Algarve to cover the maintenance costs of the A22, exempting this lane from tolls, with the remainder being destined for the improvement of the region's road infrastructure».
This «Special Tourist Contribution of the Algarve» would be situated between 1,5% and 2,5%, in order to exempt the Via do Infante from tolls. But “this proposal was also rejected again, with the PS, CDS and PCP votes against and the PSD abstaining”.
The Bloc defended that that fee should be levied on natural and legal persons, with the charge being borne by those who explore tourist developments and local accommodation establishments.
The revenue obtained would be “consigned to the satisfaction of the State's expenses with the operation and financing of the A22, with any remainder being consigned to the improvement of the road and railway network located in the municipalities of Albufeira, Alcoutim, Aljezur, Castro Marim, Faro, Lagoa, Lagos, Loulé, Monchique, Olhão, Portimão, São Brás de Alportel, Silves, Tavira, Vila do Bispo and Vila Real de Santo António».
In his statement, deputy João Vasconcelos stresses that “it is necessary to take into account the impact that the huge influx of tourists has on the regional road network, with visible consequences in the increase in accidents on the EN125, overloaded by tourists and locals who avoid use of the A22 due to its costs'.
«The populations of the Algarve are particularly penalized, which is why it is important to find a mechanism that enables the elimination of tolls and investment in the region's road and rail network».
According to the Bloc congressman, the failure was "a new opportunity that was lost to end a tragedy that persists in the Algarve."
Therefore, João Vasconcelos asks: «how do the political forces – and the PS in particular – think to put an end to tolls that are one of the biggest economic, social and financial cancers for the Algarve and even for the country?
“What will be worse for the region? To have a tourist contribution and end the tolls, or to continue everything as it is, keeping the tolls on Via do Infante?”, he also questions.
“Without a doubt, the first solution will invariably be much better. PS, PCP, PSD and CDS must answer to users and populations the reasons for bowing down to certain interests, choosing to continue to harm the Algarve», responds Vasconcelos.
The Algarve deputy from BE stresses that "the main responsibility goes to the Socialist Party."
«Now in government, I had the obligation to make viable solutions that meet the needs and aspirations of the populations and, also, the promises of the Prime Minister, who promised to end the tolls on Via do Infante. And a word given must be an honorable word», stresses João Vasconcelos.
For its part, the Left Bloc states that "it will continue the fight to end tolls in the Algarve, inside and outside Parliament".
In less than two years, recalls Vasconcelos, this political force “has already presented seven proposals at the parliamentary level, all of them made impossible by the PS and right-wing parties. And will re-present as often as necessary. And he will do all the fights, participating and stimulating the popular protest for the abolition of tolls in the region».
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