"The so-called 'abolition' only means transferring the cost of construction and maintenance of the sections in question from users to taxpayers", says the APC in a press release sent to newsrooms.

The association chaired by Paulo Carmona does not comment on the political framework of the vote on the measure, but regrets that parties and commentators use the term abolition as "if with this vote we, all taxpayers, stopped paying them".

Last Thursday, the parliament approved in general terms the PS bill to eliminate tolls on the former SCUTs with the votes in favor of the socialists, Chega, BE, PCP, Livre and PAN, the abstention of the IL and the vote against of the PSD and CDS-PP.

The PS proposal - the only one that was approved - aims to end tolls on the A4 - Transmontana and Marão Tunnel, A13 and A13-1 - Pinhal Interior, A22 - Algarve, A23 - Beira Interior, A24 - Interior Norte, A25 - Beiras Litoral and Alta and A28 -- Minho in the sections between Esposende and Antas and between Neiva and Darque.

According to the socialists, the measure has a budgetary impact of 157 million euros.

The APC criticizes the fact that the parties assume the popularity of the measure with users, without referring to the burden that has passed on to those who do not use these roads, including those who do not have a car, and it is even strange that parties that have always positioned themselves "against the use of the car", have now voted in favor of this measure "that encourages its use".

"This continued way of referring to the end of tolls, as if the measure were positive for the Portuguese, distorts reality, increases fiscal illiteracy and prevents the debate that we regret does not exist on whether the cost - of road use or other services - should be supported entirely through taxes, or also by the user-payer", stresses the civic association.

The APC also regrets that the Government criticizes the vote on the bill for the impact it may have on the collection of revenue from "its accounts", forgetting that "the real victims" are the taxpayers.

In this context, it calls for the message to be reinforced that there is no "abolition of tolls", but rather "a transfer of the cost of construction and maintenance of the motorway sections in question".

The APC assumes itself as a non-partisan association that aims to rebalance the relationship between the State and taxpayers, contributing to "taxes being transparent, clear and easy to understand in their purpose of common good".

Among the members of its bodies are the names of Daniel Bessa, João Vilalobos, António Nogueira Leite, Diogo Feio, Carlos Lobo, Cecília Meireles or Luís Leon.

Leia Também: Ex-voluntário dos escuteiros escondeu câmara em casa de banho nos EUA (Portuguese version)