Trafaria-Algés tunnel confirmed for low-emission vehicles

Updated on 2 April: As we also explained at the end of the article, this was our April Fools' Day story. We hope it entertained you. 😉

It has finally been confirmed: the much-discussed Trafaria-Algés tunnel really is going ahead. Of the two existing crossings between the banks of the Tagus - the 25 de Abril Bridge and the Vasco da Gama Bridge - the next decade will bring two more: the Third Tagus Crossing between Chelas and Barreiro and, now, the submerged tunnel between Trafaria and Algés.

This new connection is intended to address increasing traffic volumes, improving travel between the two banks of the Tagus while easing congestion on the 25 de Abril Bridge.

However, one detail accompanying the announcement has triggered considerable controversy: only low-emission vehicles will be permitted to use the tunnel.

This means access will be restricted to vehicles producing CO₂ emissions of up to 50 g/km, effectively covering only fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The latter have been included solely because they can complete the entire crossing (approximately 2.5 km) in fully electric mode.

Trafaria-Algés tunnel restricted to low-emission vehicles

Petrol or diesel cars in the tunnel? Only if they are switched off and loaded onto a trailer - provided that trailer is low-emission too. According to the authorities, the measure is designed to cut pollution on the crossing between the south bank and Lisbon. It is also part of a broader plan to speed up the electrification of Portugal's vehicle fleet.

How will only low-emission vehicles be allowed through?

Simple: through a toll system - what else…? It will operate entirely automatically, using emissions sensors and number-plate recognition.

Should a polluting car decide to try its luck, one of two things may happen: the barrier will not even rise, opening only to escort the vehicle back out; or, worse still, if the driver is a repeat offender, a jet of fluorescent green biodegradable paint will be sprayed over the vehicle, publicly shaming its driver.

Rumours also suggest that, if the driver persists, the system could play a Greta Thunberg message asking “How dare you?” on loop until they give in.

Our government and public authorities will do everything possible to ensure this green corridor remains genuinely… green.

Electric-car owners have nothing to worry about, but plug-in hybrid drivers may still have some questions. For instance, what happens if the combustion engine starts once the vehicle is already inside the tunnel because the battery has run out of charge, or for any other reason? So far, the relevant authorities have not provided an answer.

An April Fools' Day Trafaria-Algés tunnel story

Does all this sound rather too radical, like something from a dystopian scenario? Absolutely… But look at the date and you will see that it is 1 April, so you can breathe easily. None of this is true.

Well, it is true that the Trafaria-Algés tunnel is among our government's plans, but you probably will not need to worry about being drenched in fluorescent paint any time soon…