Skip to main content

Portuguese firms want compensation for tolling licence plate chip system

Several Portuguese motorway concession companies want to be paid compensation by Estradas de Portugal (EP), the state-owned road agency, to help cover the increased costs resulting from the launch of systems to cover toll fees using licence plate chip solutions. The contracts signed by Baixo Tejo, Litoral Oeste and Pinhal Interior between 2008 and 2010 covered the mandatory use of licence plate chip systems, whereby they would be responsible for fees and other related costs. However, the project was altered
August 12, 2013 Read time: 2 mins
Several Portuguese motorway concession companies want to be paid compensation by 1410 Estradas de Portugal (EP), the state-owned road agency, to help cover the increased costs resulting from the launch of systems to cover toll fees using licence plate chip solutions.

The contracts signed by Baixo Tejo, Litoral Oeste and Pinhal Interior between 2008 and 2010 covered the mandatory use of licence plate chip systems, whereby they would be responsible for fees and other related costs. However, the project was altered in 2010 so that it was no longer mandatory but rather served as an alternative payment format. As such, they are asking for around €100 million in compensation.

Meanwhile, EP, Via Verde, 2769 Ascendi and Capgemini are working on a new toll system to be used by travellers which could result in the end of the post-payment solution in favour of a temporary system for sporadic users or mandatory devices. It is claimed the new solution could result in a 40% increase in revenues and reduce frauds.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • 17mn Turkish vehicles could get electronic licence plates
    March 6, 2013
    Around 17 million vehicles in Turkey could be fitted with electronic licence plates, under a proposed draft law. The move would see the addition of a cryptographic chip on both licence plates, and a barcoded sticker on the vehicle's windscreen. The Electronic Vehicle Identification and Tracking System will depend on identification with radio frequencies and will be integrated into CCTV and motorway cameras. The initiative aims to reduce the number of traffic breaches while providing support in the pursuit o
  • Weighty matters for developing countries
    November 6, 2012
    One leading Weigh in Motion technology manufacturer is helping governments in developing countries reduce excessive road damage, while several others have seen their latest WIM systems recently used on the highways of Eastern Europe. Guy Woodford reports Recent Central Weighing WIM installations in Bangladesh are helping its national government reduce the financial burden of excessive road damage, while also protecting many bridges that are vital to transport and trade. The need for such installations was e
  • East Africa drives towards road tolling
    March 18, 2016
    Road tolling is increasing in East Africa as the region’s countries expand highway networks - Shem Oirere writes. The drive towards road tolling in East Africa is gaining momentum. Uganda appears to have broken ranks with its neighbours to make huge strides in achieving progress with this innovative road financing plan. Road tolling has hitherto has been held back in East Africa for lack of political goodwill and State bureaucracies. Kenyan government officials have made announcements on planned road tollin
  • Modified asphalt trials in Brazil
    October 17, 2012
    An urgent need to improve and extend its road network means that Brazil is open to innovation and new ideas - the timing looks good for Kraton and its highly modified asphalt. Kristina Smith reports On 15th August Brazilian president Dilma Rousseff announced a US$66 billion (BRL 133 billion) investment package for the country’s road and rail networks. Of that, $21 billion (BRL 42 billion) is earmarked for the upgrade or construction of 7,500km of highways through a series of concessions. “We’re starting an