New Algarve Toll Road Driving Away Tourists

June 24, 2012 - PRLog -- The A22 motorway which stretches along the Algarve coastline and to the border with Spain, has for many years been used by locals and tourists alike with no charges. However as of December 2011, the A22 has become the first toll road in the region, as the Portuguese aim to increase revenue for their ailing economy.

The toll in itself is a reasonable enough measure from the Portuguese authorities. However the method of toll collection appears to have been rather poorly conceived, especially for tourists or those visiting the Algarve region for a short period of time. Unlike in Spain there are no toll booths, but payment is made either via a transponder device fitted to the vehicle, or pre and post-payment schemes relying on number plate recognition systems.

Local residents can purchase transponder devices that record their usage of the A22, but temporary visitors have to post-pay at post offices or hire transponders for a short period which may not be practical. The situation is particularly frustrating for tourists who use rental vehicles, and don’t wish to spend their holiday hours making trips to local post offices paying for journeys on the local road network.

Matt May from Algarve car rental comparison website carhirefaroairport.com explains tourists concerns. “We have received a number of calls and complaints from prospective visitors to the Algarve, with some people claiming that they will go to Spain instead for their holidays. There is a general air of frustration with the new system of toll collection, and in the long-term this could have a negative impact on the number of tourists visiting the Algarve. We believe that there should be toll booths where people can pay as they go, as is the case across the border in Spain"

So what can tourists do? Many it seems are avoiding the road altogether with road usage down by as much as 50% since the toll and using the free N122 instead. Alternatively speak to the rental company on arrival in Portugal for the latest advice.

For the latest news on toll payment options please visit http://www.carhirefaroairport.com where you can find information on driving in Portugal and also compare quotes for car rental in the Algarve.