Concessionaires have warned that the cost of removing tolls on the former SCUT route will fall on taxpayers. According to the Socialists, the budgetary consequences of this measure will amount to 157 million euros.

The Portuguese Association of Highways and Bridges Concession Companies (APCAP) said this Wednesday that if the abolition of tolls on the former SCUTs moves forward, the costs will fall on taxpayers.

“With regard to the decision taken today in Parliament, we consider it useful to draw attention to the fact that if the complete abolition of toll collection in the former GKut goes forward, its cost will be fully covered by all taxpayers from the state budget” This was stated by the President of APCAP Manuel Melo Ramos in a statement to Lusa.

Deputies of the Committee on Economics, Public Works and Housing, in a special vote, approved this Wednesday the Socialists’ project, which abolishes fees at the former SCUT.

The association also said its knowledge and experience in infrastructure management could help make decisions “with less impact on government budgets.”

For APCAP, its knowledge of the industry allows it to propose solutions “capable of reflecting models tailored to each situation,” thereby showing itself to be fully prepared for dialogue and collaboration on the issue.

In May, Parliament generally approved the PS bill to abolish tolls on the former SCUT, voting in favor of the Socialists, Chegu, BE, PCP, Livre and PAN, abstaining from IL and voting against PSD and CDS. -PP.

The PS proposal – the only one that has been approved – aims to abolish tolls on the A4 – Transmontana and Tunnel do Maro, A13 and A13-1 – Inland Pinhal, A22 – Algarve, A23 – Inland Beira, A24 – Inland Norte , A25 – Beiras Litoral, Alta and A28 – Miño in the sections between Esposende and Antas and between Neiva and Darke.

The Socialists estimate that the measure has a budgetary effect of 157 million euros.

According to information posted on its website, the association was created in 2001 and has 20 members.