The VCI is one of the main arteries in the Porto Metropolitan Area, but the high volumes of traffic poses challenges to mobility, safety and sustainability in the region.
To address this, from September 15th 2026, to relieve pressure, redistribute traffic and promote the use of the outer ring roads such as the A41/IC24 (also referred to as CREP), the following strategy has been implemented:
- Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) will be prohibited from circulating the VCI between 0700 & 2100hrs on working days.
- However, HGVs whose origin or destination is in the municipalities of Porto or Vila Nova de Gaia, for the purpose of loading or unloading goods are exempt from this provision and may circulate freely, provided that they are previously authorised through registration on the digital platform made available by the stated municipalities
- A toll exemption was put into force on 1st January 2026 on the roads referred to as CREP to create a competitive alternative for freight transport, contributing to a more balanced distribution of traffic flows, particular for through traffic.
Further information can be obtained at https://mobilidade.cm-porto.pt/servicos/acesso-vci-en.
As a result, it is likely that vehicles having to utilise the outer ring roads will incur additional mileage and extended transit. Furthermore, deliveries within the boundaries of the VCI may experience some delay owing to the requirement to register for authorisation.
For specific information on how these changes might affect specific consignments, please do not hesitate to contact our operations team.