The council is considering this option with the aim of funding the road’s maintenance costs; however, Nuno Piteira Lopes, the Mayor, states that residents of the municipality will be exempt from paying tolls should the measure be approved.

The possibility of introducing tolls on the Marginal has arisen following the transfer of responsibility for the road to Cascais Municipal Council, specifically for the section that runs through the municipality to its boundary at Carcavelos.

However, it is important to note that, although the possibility has been raised, there is as yet no guarantee that the measure will be approved by the council.

Exemption for residents

Speaking to CNN Portugal/TVI, Nuno Piteira Lopes stated that the tolls will not apply to residents of the municipality of Cascais and that this condition has been in place since the discussion began.

The possibility of charging tolls to motorists who are not residents of Cascais is being considered as a means of funding and maintaining the road, which is an important alternative to the A5 motorway. For the time being, no details have been released regarding potential toll amounts or how the system will operate.

Traffic changes

Still on the subject of managing the Marginal, Cascais Municipal Council has further plans for the road. The same source says the council wants to build a roundabout at the Parede exit and install speed cameras and traffic monitoring cameras.

These measures are part of the local authority’s efforts to improve traffic conditions and management on the road.

Trains as an alternative

The introduction of tolls always raises questions, particularly regarding the cost of living for motorists who use the Marginal precisely to avoid paying tolls on the A5.

When asked about this situation, Nuno Piteira Lopes argues that rail transport should be strengthened in order to reduce the number of private vehicles travelling on the Marginal.

Nuno Piteira Lopes also adds that the Cascais Line has been upgraded, with a level of investment not seen for decades. New trains are due to arrive, and the line's management is expected to be privatised shortly.

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