Minister Luís Neves' plan includes increased fines for speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, and dangerous manoeuvres.
Although the exact amounts of the increased fines are yet to be defined, the objective is clear: to directly influence driver behaviour and reverse the "scourge" of road insecurity.
To increase enforcement effectiveness, the Government is considering more drastic measures, such as ending the advance notice of STOP operations, a practice that currently allows drivers to avoid checkpoints.
This change will be integrated into the "Vision Zero 2030" strategy, which aims to reduce deaths by 50% by the end of the decade. However, the Ministry of Internal Administration (MAI) acknowledges that punishment must be accompanied by improvements to road infrastructure, and an agreement has already been signed between the National Road Safety Authority (ANSR) and Infraestruturas de Portugal for an investment of €224 million in the national road network.
The urgency of these measures is supported by alarming data from 2026, which reveal that, up to this week, 133 people have already died on Portuguese roads—an increase of 35 victims compared to the same period in 2025.
The number of accidents has also skyrocketed, exceeding 41,000 recorded incidents.
Faced with these indicators, the ministerial office emphasises that "no death is acceptable," arguing that more cautious driving and respect for the rules are essential to protect families and avoid the personal tragedies that have marked the start of this year.
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Finally it seems the government is beginning to understand that many drivers only understand the whip when it comes to behaviour on the roads. What needs to happen are the implementation of lengthy bans, heavy fines for excess alcohol, dangerous driving etc. Plus the confiscation of vehicles where the driver has no insurance / driving licence / vehicle inspection. That will make them thii twice.
I always thought advertising police STOP operations was farcical and, of course, it's been very stupid to advertise them in advance.
Like many other European countries, allow the use of handheld doppler radar guns to check vehicle speed. According to the Portuguese they are not accurate whilst in other countries they are considered accurate. I wonder why the laws of physics don't seem to apply here....!?
By Tony HENRIQUES from Lisbon on 13 Apr 2026, 06:50
Murder is murder. Whether drunk or in a car. Fines for drunk driving are ridiculous. Deny driving privileges. Go to jail for manslaughter.
By Alice Walker from Lisbon on 13 Apr 2026, 07:58
If they want to raise the fines, great, but it won't do much if they don't start enforcing the laws first.
By Rhoni from Lisbon on 13 Apr 2026, 08:09
In Portugal people drive too fast with many convinced they are the best drivers in Europe! So, they kill themselves in droves! The country is full of smart asses who know better! Unfortunately, stupidity and ignorance have no limits in my beautiful country! That's the reason Portugal is among those European countries with higher rate of accidents!
By A L Fernandes from Other on 13 Apr 2026, 16:25
Wow, the road deaths increase instead of decreasing even though cars are getting safer and better?
I wonder about the new nearly million immigrants Mr Costa invited without SEF checks before resigning for his fancy EU boss job, that have very different driving cultures in their countries, are they allowed to drive without checks also? In most 3rd world countries you can just buy a driving licence without any training.
By MIchael Blesh from Algarve on 13 Apr 2026, 20:38
Me doing an indicated 65 on my scooter, car beeping and signaling behind me, while we are passing a 50 kmh speed limit sign. And they wonder why there are so many road deaths...
By Uwe from Algarve on 14 Apr 2026, 11:06