# Portuguese IP3 highway toll proposal debate > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/portuguese-ip3-highway-toll-proposal-debate > Updated: 2026-09-19T09:42:51.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2. The Portuguese government has proposed implementing tolls on the IP3 highway once duplication works are finished, aiming to connect Viseu and Coimbra. Minister of Infrastructure and Housing Miguel Pinto Luz defended the proposal based on a ‘user-pays’ principle, stating that maintaining toll-free roads costs taxpayers over 300 million euros annually. The proposal faced opposition from the Socialist Party, which cited concerns regarding costs for commuters and logistics, and the Portuguese Communist Party (PCP), which argued that tolls would contradict the 2026 State Budget and unfairly burden local populations. As the debate intensified, deputies from the Social Democratic Party (PSD) clarified that the existing IP3 route would remain exempt from tolls. They noted that while travel between Viseu and Coimbra on the current route will not require payment, confusion may arise from new infrastructure and alternative sections, such as in the Penacova area, where financing and exploitation models are still being determined. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-19: IP3 highway toll debate intensifies between Coimbra and Viseu Political parties debate the toll status of the IP3 highway between Coimbra and Viseu, with assurances that the existing route will remain toll-free despite discussions regarding new infrastructure. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ip3-highway-toll-debate-intensifies-between-coimbra-and-viseu ### 2026-09-16: IP3 highway tolls proposed by Portuguese government The Portuguese government intends to introduce tolls on the IP3 highway following its upgrade to a highway, sparking opposition from Socialist and Communist parties over economic impacts. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portugal-minister-proposes-ip3-tolls-following-road-duplication --- Cite as: Portuguese IP3 highway toll proposal debate. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/portuguese-ip3-highway-toll-proposal-debate