Portugal increases road enforcement after rise in pedestrian deaths

The Portuguese government is increasing road inspections following a significant rise in pedestrian fatalities. During the first half of 2026, 31 people were killed in pedestrian accidents, a sharp increase compared to the 14 deaths recorded during the same period in 2025.

Luís Neves, the Minister of Internal Administration, described the situation on Portuguese roads as a “civil war,” citing distractions and incivility from both drivers and pedestrians as primary causes. In a press conference with officials from the National Road Safety Authority (ANSR), the GNR, and the PSP, the Minister emphasized that the increased enforcement is aimed at saving lives rather than simply issuing fines.

Data from the first half of 2026 shows a total of 17,941 accidents resulting in 225 deaths and 1,371 serious injuries. More recent figures from the Road Safety Observatory indicate that between January 1 and August 11, 2026, there were 93,012 accidents resulting in 302 deaths.