No tolls yet, Steamy, but there are gantries and signs in place which only need uncovering. I haven't heard anything lately about when the tolls will be implemented. Things normally happen very slowly in Portugal ..... but then again they need the money!

Would appear that there's still no resolution over the A22 becoming a toll road. Keep an eye on the Algarve Resident website as they've been very quick on reporting any new information.

Thanks for the information

http://www.algarveresident.com/main.asp

Update on the implementation of the tolls on the A22, is that it is scheduled to go ahead this Autumn, possible as early as September. Update report in the Algarve Resident.

http://www.algarveresident.com/main.asp

Just back from the Algarve on Saturday and toll charges are still not in operation yet on the A22. The gantries with cameras and signs with the toll charges are still covered up. There was a protest on Saturday 8th Oct while we were on holiday that caused a fair bit of disruption near Faro airport. The Sixt car hire guy told us that the government want to intoduce the tolls by the end of the month but it is possible that it may well be delayed again.

That's right. There was an ministerial announcement a few days ago that tolls would be in effect "by the end of the month" but this was quickly countered by a statement from another minister that there might be further delays owing to the legal position not having been properly sorted out. They've only had a year since the original announcement.

You don't need to wonder why the country is in such a mess when left and right hand don't now what each are saying or doing.

Anyway, the forthcoming massive tax rises and price hikes are going to have far more of an effect on your holiday budget than a few measly tolls.

Parliament is due to vote on this in a month. The unions have promised a wave of general strikes if the package is voted through.

Debate the effect elsewhere, but the price of electricity will go up 30%, VAT on restaurant meals from 13% to 23%, VAT on bottled water and many packaged foods from 6% to 23%, 5% on tobacco tax. Council tax may double in some areas. Do the sums yourselves. Those restaurants and bars that don't close down will have to raise prices very considerably.

I hear Greece is quite pleasant in winter. have a nice day.