Ban removes 30% of heavy vehicles from Porto's VCI, says minister

The Minister of Infrastructure stated on Wednesday 4 November that the ban on heavy vehicles without a destination in Porto or Vila Nova de Gaia has reduced their presence on the VCI by 30%, with a 60% drop on the Arrábida Bridge and about 3,500 fewer heavy vehicles crossing the Douro overall. The restriction, which began on 15 September, applies on weekdays between 07:00 and 21:00, while the CREP/A41 external bypass remains toll-free. Additionally, Infraestruturas de Portugal will launch tenders in January for improvement works on VCI junctions, and new cooperation protocols were signed with Porto's city council.