Re: Car Hire at Faro Potential Problem
 

It probably is true but the Govenment has a contract with the operator on the A22 which would no doubt cost more to get out of than any subsidies.
The total toll revenue in Portugal last year was E289.5 million so you can see that the government cannot afford to reduce this stream of cash.
If you ask the Algarvians what they want it is for the N125 road improvements program to start up again but there is little money for that either. The Olhao and Lagos by passes would be of far more benefit to locals than making it easier for tourists to pay the tolls.
Portugal has been taken to the EU courts before and nothing changes
If you have a hire car then you should be taking out the toll pre paid arrangements which vary from 15-20 euros/booking.
All the more reputable companies now offer this.
You can elect NOT to use the tolls and not pay in advance or with some pay and get a refund if you do not use it, solves the problem of the return journey to the airport and finding somewhere to pay.

Re: Car Hire at Faro Potential Problem
 

Not all car hire companies have an arrangement to pay tolls; are you suggesting that these are not reputable companies

Re: Car Hire at Faro Potential Problem
 

Maybe these are the companies that the airport wants to move out by increasing its costs.
Why have the hassle when you don.t need it.
Your hire company will be charged eventually and you will still have to pay plus the additional costs they incur.

Re: Car Hire at Faro Potential Problem
 

I've no idea whether they are reputable or not but I will not rent from any company that does not provide a transponder (or have a fair fuel policy). It just takes all the aggravation out of the toll system.

Re: Car Hire at Faro Potential Problem
 

Just out of interest how busy is the toll road? I use the AP7 from Valencia to Oliva and the toll stretch is very quiet and cannot possibly be profitable.
I would have thought being toll free would benefit the economy far more than the tolls received, certainly on the roads I use.

Re: Car Hire at Faro Potential Problem
 

The stretch Faro-border is one of the quietest stretches of m-way Ive seen, even in 'rush hour'.

People are using the 125 to save payments, and the accident death rate and injury rate has gone up there.

We have friends who's friends living on the 125 have had letters from the govt to compulsorily purchase land to widen the 125 - to cover the excess traffic on the 125, caused by the tolls! That would cost millions!

Clever eh!

Jon

Re: Car Hire at Faro Potential Problem
 

Just hired a car for the Easter weekend with the company I use at faro (see below) I also have to pay a minimum of 20 euros for the tolls even though I only use 11 euros worth, it's starting to cost more in add ons then the cost of the car.:thumbdown:

On the 1st April we are starting with a airport tax. Is not our choice, but airport rules for all rent a car companies. We are fighting against that . We are not sure if goes ahead or not, but we know is that the maximum amount they will ask per booking will be 17 euros. I hope you understand. Any news on this issue we will get in touch with you.

Re: Car Hire at Faro Potential Problem
 

You do NOT have to take out the toll pre pay you can as we do avoid the motorway.
As for the car rental surcharge I doubt that there is anyway this can be avoided unless you use one of the established companies who have offices in the terminal.
The days of a guy sat at a cafe desk are numbered.

Re: Car Hire at Faro Potential Problem
 

Blimey EMR you've changed your tune from your post No. 4.Thought you didn't mind paying the tolls.
As for the charge are you saying that it only applies to the guys sitting at the café,and not the ones in the portacabin in carpark four? if memory serves mecorrect

Re: Car Hire at Faro Potential Problem
 

It looks like it will apply to those in the carpark4 as well although they are trying to fight it.
As for the tolls once the tourist season arrives we will be using the A22 and paying the tolls.
Lifes too short to spend it sat in traffic.

Re: Car Hire at Faro Potential Problem
 

With you on life's too short.
So if it applies to car park 4 as well.i assume that the only ones getting awAy without paying must be the big companies situated down the main drag from the airport.i used them once and was bussed from the airport to the car rental yard.don't know whether this is still the case.i know they were a lot more expensive than the onsite ones though.

Re: Car Hire at Faro Potential Problem
 

Those big companies have desks in the arrivals area and onsite presence to the r/h side where you pick up your car but you return it to their depot and are bussed in to departures.

There are one or two just off airport companies within walking distance, around where the old footbridge used to be that could develop a booking system on line that could bypass the new on airport tax but they are just not big enough in parking space or cars to fill all the need.

Re: Car Hire at Faro Potential Problem
 

And not open for drop off! Sitting outside the yard waiting for someone to open watching the clock.