Portugal Motorway Tolls - all is revealed

Further to my previous post on the subject, I can reveal that the situation is all rather straightforward – or can be and was in our case. Having crossed the border at Vilar Formosa 10 days ago, we saw plenty of warnings that the upcoming motorway was electronic toll. However, nowhere to actually make any enquiries until reaching a sign that implied payment was in 10km. We reached the motorway and tentatively continued for 10km until reaching a sign stating ‘Easy Toll - Visitors /Foreigners this way’. Here a charming lady explained that all that was required was a swipe of a credit card and that would be associated with our reg. no. (which presumably had already been captured). This method is called ‘Easy Toll’ and applies for 30 days, after which you would have to re-register.

 I’ve checked my credit card and nothing has been charged as yet, but maybe that will happen at the end of the 30-day period. Some people here are saying the system doesn’t yet recognise UK reg. plates – I really hope so!

 Having said all this, yesterday we joined the A22 (Algarve motorway) at its western end and their was no sign of anywhere to register - just an 'Easy Toll ' sign. Perhaps they assume that has happened elsewhere, but that may not necessarily be the case of course. 

 It has to be said that the roads, especially the motorways, in Portugal as well as Spain on the way down from Santander are remarkably free of heavy traffic. In fact the motorways often seem deserted. Locals not prepared to pay the tolls, no doubt.

 I will report back on the state of my credit card at the end of our trip (end of September).