VCI heavy vehicle ban threatens to increase costs and bureaucracy

New restrictions prohibiting heavy vehicles from circulating on the VCI between 07:00 and 21:00 on weekdays are set to take effect, prompting warnings of increased costs for consumers and heightened bureaucracy for transporters.

As the measure approaches, the digital platform required for trucks to register exceptional circumstances—such as those with origins or destinations in Porto or Vila Nova de Gaia—remains offline. André Almeida, spokesperson for the National Association of Public Road Freight Transporters (ANTRAM), expressed concern that the technical failure of the platform will make it impossible to operationalize the new legal obligations.

Transport companies warn that the ban will force many trucks to use the A41 alternative, leading to increased mileage and fuel consumption. This shift is expected to drive up logistics costs, which will likely be passed on to the consumer.