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Senator Decides to Create Detour to Avoid Toll on BR-040, But ANTT Reacted and Warned: Those Who Evade the Charge Will Be Fined!
The debate over toll fees always generates controversy in Brazil, especially when new collection points are installed on strategic highways.
Recently, a new controversy emerged after a video published by Senator Cleitinho (Republicans), in which he encourages drivers to use an alternative route to escape paying the toll.
However, the National Land Transportation Agency (ANTT) quickly responded, stating that this practice could result in fines and penalties for drivers who attempt to evade the charge.
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The controversy arose after the announcement of the installation of a new toll on BR-040, at the height of Paracatu, a municipality in the Northwest of Minas Gerais.
The stretch will start being charged from March 10, when a new concessionaire takes over the administration of the road.
In light of the population’s dissatisfaction, Senator Cleitinho decided to take drastic action: open a detour so that drivers can avoid paying the fee.
He appears in a video released on February 14 alongside the city’s mayor, Igor Santos (Union), operating a tractor to create the alternative passage.
ANTT Reacts and Warns About Punishments
ANTT’s response came swiftly.
In an official statement published on February 17, the agency stated that the practice encouraged by the senator is considered a serious traffic violation, according to Article 209 of the Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB).
Drivers who use the detour to escape the charge may be fined and lose points on their National Driver’s License (CNH).
Furthermore, the agency pointed out that other penalties may be imposed depending on the situation.
The entity also emphasized that it is studying measures to make the use of the alternative route unfeasible.
Among the strategies are physical barriers, camera monitoring, and even legal actions against illegal detours.
The goal, according to ANTT, is to prevent drivers from avoiding the toll, ensuring the sustainability of the concession contract.
Consequences for the Roadway Concession
In addition to the legal implications for drivers, ANTT highlighted that the creation of illegal detours directly compromises the highway concession model.
In Brazil, many road stretches are granted to the private sector as a way to ensure investments in road maintenance and expansion. The financing of these improvements depends on toll revenue.
“Escape routes from tolls result in damages to the concession contract and may generate administrative and judicial challenges”, the agency stated in a communication.
According to ANTT, this kind of initiative undermines the economic-financial balance of the contract, potentially discouraging future concessions and compromising investment in road infrastructure.
Senator Challenges Authorities and Says He Will Not Back Down
Even after the negative repercussions and warnings from ANTT, Senator Cleitinho maintained his position and reiterated that he does not intend to give up the detour.
In the published video, he is seen on a tractor alongside Mayor Igor Santos, harshly criticizing the installation of the toll.
“If you want to mess with the people, then you’re going to see me mess with you too”, Cleitinho said defiantly.
“We are making a private detour here. That (BR-040) belongs to the government; this is private! Starting March 10, there will be a detour; you can pass through here, and no one will pay the toll!”, the legislator affirmed, stressing that the alternative road does not belong to the state or federal government.
Additionally, Cleitinho revealed that he filed a lawsuit to try to block the toll charge, but acknowledged that the ruling may not be favorable.
If the fee is maintained, the senator stated that the alternative for drivers will be to use the route he is creating.
Debate on Tolls in Brazil
The case has reignited an old debate about the impact of toll charges in Brazil. Many drivers question whether the revenue collected truly translates into improvements on the highways.
At the same time, experts argue that the concession model is a viable alternative to ensure road maintenance, as public resources are not always sufficient for these investments.
In the specific case of BR-040, the new concessionaire will have to carry out expansion works, improve the asphalt, and install new safety devices.
However, critics point out that the benefits offered do not justify the costs of the fee that will be charged to drivers.
The episode involving Cleitinho raises important questions about the relationship between the public power, private concessions, and citizens’ rights.
While ANTT reaffirms the legality of the charge and promises to punish those who try to circumvent it, the senator and his supporters insist that the measure is unfair and penalizes the population.
The report reached out to Cleitinho to comment on ANTT’s position but has not yet received a response.
However, in the video released, the legislator made it clear that he is aware of the possible consequences of his action and does not intend to back down easily.
Pagámos muitos impostos na gasolina na compra do carro na manutenção ipva seguro … Isso e o suficiente para todas as rodovias do brasil e ainda sobra acorda povo pedágio = assalto não precisa
Na minha opinião o valor do pedágio não deveria ser maior que o valor do litro de gasolina seria o justo é inadmissível um caminhão pagar mais de 💯 reais de pedagio onde estão com a cabeça é um roubo um abuso e esses filhos da **** da ANTT estão ganhando em cima disso esses ****
Acredito que a escala 6x1continua a ser a melhor. Isso porque, trás um entrosamento maior de espírito de equipe. Já essa nova escala acredito em um distanciamento dos objetivos que a empresa tem para realização de suas atividades. Para isso, já se tem as máquinas no processo de produção.