Police Presence

[HampshireRich]

I can sympathise with those of you who have properties to rent and suspect that you feel the tolls will lose you business - I don't believe it will. If you rent direct - you should explain the situation to your clients together with the current process and leave them to fathom it out - at least you have done your bit. You won't be renting them the car - will you? What applies today will undoubtedly change - all you need do is explain it by saying 'It's the Portuguese way' and it's why we like it here.

So let's stop trying to get the Portuguese to change their ways and let us adapt ourselves to the Portuguese way of life as best we can.

I agree with shanagarry here. From a different perspective, as a regular tourist rather than resident or owner who rents, I honestly believe it will have no impact on tourism. I know for certain that should I be given the choice by the taxi driver on the journey from Faro to CVO, I would quite happily choose the A22 and toll, and also on the way back. A few euros charge would not put me off and it would be 1 less vehicle on the N125.

I admit that if I had to do the journey every day I would look for alternatives and should I ever hire a car, be as bemused as the rest of you as how to pay for the toll on the way back to the airport.

But it's going to take more than a toll charge and a weird process to stop me coming back to CVO.

[shanagarry]

seeing how inept the Portuguese are at implementing a simple process

Joey - it's their way of doing things and just because it doesn't suit you and others - that's unfortunate - you need to go with the flow.

You could always go to Greece and help them sort themselves out - they have it wrong as well - don't they

[steve]

"So let's stop trying to get the Portuguese to change their ways and let us adapt ourselves to the Portuguese way of life as best we can. "

I can't think of many statements more likely to come back and bite you on the bum.

[shanagarry]

I can't think of many statements more likely to come back and bite you on the bum.

Really - perhaps you can show me where previous attempts to get them to change their ways have worked. In 20+ years coming here and more recently moving here - I can't see too much evidence of northern european influence altering the way Portuguese way of doing things. If you take out property construction, aviation and information technology - there is no change in the way bureaucracy 'works'. Is there?

[joeysoap]

Joey - it's their way of doing things .......

I agree, and mostly it suits us down to the ground, and their laid back easygoing attitude paved the way for way for the tourist industry we see today , but in this case they are doing themselves no good at all, and defending a system that clearly needs changing isn't doing them any favours either.

[Geoff]

Can someone explain the difference between the GNR and the Policia ( not sure of spelling) ?......we saw both at a roundabout check near Altura the other weekend, the Policia touting automatic rifles. We were stopped ( in a hire car , but along with all white vans) but all documents were in order...they didn't want to see hire car contract, which they have in the past.
Must say, have always found the GNR helpful......a year ago I had pulled into the side of the road to let one of the passengers out who wasn't feeling well ( about midnight) : suddenly we had blue flashing lights and a GNR guys at both front doors asking if everything was OK....no attempt to breathalyse!....all very courteous.

[shanagarry]

Can someone explain the difference between the GNR and the Policia

Compared to the UK - the GNR are the local police and the Policia are the Traffic Police (Brigada Transito). To confuse you further they have both Marine and Fiscal Police (Vat/Customs & Excise).

[pickwick]

Morning Shanagarry

In fact, Policia is the short name for Policia Judiciaria which is the criminal investigation branch dedicated to fighting criminality, organized crime, terrorism, drugs, corruption and financial crimes.
Pickwick

[shanagarry]

dedicated to fighting criminality, organized crime,

On first name terms are we

[pickwick]

Shanagarry

Yes we are but not on their list! Don't worry I will not let on I know where you are!!!

Pickwick

[steve]

Shanagarry you misunderstand what I was getting at. Think of it as tempting fate. A bit like saying how well your car is running only to have it break down shortkly afterwards. I feel that you will be very lucky if you avoid situations where you want to do something eminently sensible only to find that bureacracy gets in the way but hey perhaps you will rise above it and are destined for sainthood.

I have been coming to the Algarve for 30 years and at last there are noticable signs in some quarters of the previously missing concept of customer service. Still perhaps a tender shoot but welcome nevertheless and something which is immensely influencial in shaping opinions of both residents and visitors.

[shanagarry]

Steve

I too am a 30 year veteran and while I see huge changes in some quarters (IT and Aviation being two) both of which are external influences - I cannot see any change in the bureaucratic attitude in public services (Camara and Utility providers) - the tolls being a perfect example. In their defence I recall the early days of the London Congestion Charge going through some major screw-ups that incurred the wrath of the motoring public - but they got it right - eventually.

I can't see that happening here any time soon - the absence of any investment in a robust end-to-end IT infrastructure will prevent a solution being found. The combination of technology (the gantries and readers) and a manual system for payment is not conducive to an efficient process - as can be evidenced by the column inches on the subject. If we can pay our utility and phone bills electronically - it's clear there is a way but it is not matched with a will to 'marry' the two. I suspect the absence of funding is the major factor and it is hoped the revenue generated will pay for it in time - if they ever manage to collect it.

However, I live in the hope (rightly or otherwise) that one day they will find a way to do things in a way that satisfies the needs of the rest of us. In the meantime I will try to avoid having any need to get involved with the bureaucrats and go with the flow. In the current climate I see little point in trying to convince the establishment of the error of their ways - they won't move and I have far better and more productive things to do with my time .

In the meantime I will enjoy the Portuguese way of life - regardless of all their idiosyncrasies - It's a lot better than the alternative

[HampshireRich]

I don't know if anyone has researched other implementations of toll roads and how they compare to the A22, but this on in Florida seems pretty much the same.

Florida All Electronic Toll Road

Gives an idea of how it should work once issues are ironed out.

[cereza]

I don't know if anyone has researched other implementations of toll roads and how they compare to the A22, but this on in Florida seems pretty much the same.

Florida All Electronic Toll Road

Gives an idea of how it should work once issues are ironed out.

Tut tut Rich - you have obviously not been reading my posts
I was out there in January and the system is perfect and so easy to use that in a recent poll Floridians rated the mini transponder as their favourite electronic gadget - above their mobile phones and i-pads etc .
If the Portuguese bought the technology for the gantries and cameras why didn't they also buy the technology which delivers the charges?

[James Faro]

Tut tut Rich - you have obviously not been reading my posts
I was out there in January and the system is perfect and so easy to use that in a recent pol.....

Were you in Florida, Thomas? Excellent!