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Senator promises detour to avoid tolls that can cost truck drivers up to R$300. Residents mobilize against fees considered abusive. ANTT and VINCI Highways state that investments will bring improvements, but users question the lack of structural works.
Amid discussions about road concessions in Brazil, a recent initiative has caught the attention of drivers and authorities.
BR-040, an important road that connects Belo Horizonte (MG) to Cristalina (GO), is at the center of a debate involving toll rates, political promises and the impact on local communities.
Senator Cleitinho (Republicanos-MG), in partnership with the mayor of Paracatu, Igor Santos (União Brasil), announced the intention to create a detour on BR-040 so that drivers can avoid the toll plaza installed in the city.
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The measure aims to offer an alternative to drivers when the VINCI Highways concessionaire begins operations on March 10, 2025.
The new concession provides for fares of up to R$16,94 for cars and up to R$300 for trucks that make round trips along the concessioned stretch.
The senator criticized the lack of duplications or significant structural works on the highway.
“The people are being robbed! There are no overpasses, no duplications, nothing! How can a truck driver pay R$300 to drive? How can a worker who has to go back and forth every day afford this absurd toll? This is not a concession, it is extortion!”, said Cleitinho.
In response, the National Land Transport Agency (ANTT) reported that the signing of the contract with VINCI Highways for the concession of the section between Belo Horizonte and Cristalina is scheduled for February 10, 2025, with toll collection starting one month later.
ANTT clarified that the R$16,94 toll for cars will only be applied at the Capim Branco toll plaza, while at other plazas the price will be around R$12.
The agency emphasized that supervision of the contract will be rigorous to ensure that obligations are met and that the quality of the highway is effectively improved.
BR-040 concession: details and investments
VINCI Highways won the auction for the concession of BR-040, also known as “Rota dos Cristais”, with a proposed discount of 14,32% on the toll fee.
The concession, lasting 30 years, covers a 594,8 km stretch between Cristalina (GO) and Belo Horizonte (MG).
Investments of R$12 billion are planned, including the widening of 9,9 km, construction of 342,9 km of additional lanes, 61,6 km of marginal roads, installation of 43 pedestrian walkways and 18 wildlife crossings, in addition to two rest stops for long-distance drivers.
Impact on local communities
The installation of toll plazas close to urban centers has generated concerns among residents of rural areas who depend on BR-040 to access essential services.
In 2015, the Federal Public Ministry in Minas Gerais (MPF/MG) filed a public civil action requesting the suspension of toll collection at Praça 2, located in Paracatu, for vehicles belonging to residents of nearby rural areas.
The MPF argued that the charge disproportionately impacted small producers and settlers who use the highway daily to study, work and sell their products.
Debate on alternatives and exemptions
Senator Cleitinho's proposal to create a detour on BR-040 reflects the search for solutions that minimize the financial impact of tolls on frequent users of the highway.
ANTT reported that the toll system will include the Discount for Frequent Users (DUF) and automatic payment via tags for drivers who use the same section repeatedly, bringing financial benefits to those who travel along the highway routinely, such as workers who live and work in neighboring cities.
Supervision and compliance with obligations
ANTT reinforced that the contract will be monitored rigorously to ensure that obligations are met and that the quality of the highway is effectively improved.
The agency highlighted the importance of ensuring that the improvements provided for in the concession contract are implemented according to the established schedule, aiming to benefit all users of BR-040.
The concession of BR-040 and the implementation of new toll plazas bring to the fore debates about the balance between infrastructure investments and the financial impact on users, especially those who depend on the highway on a daily basis.
The proposal to create diversions and seek exemptions reflects the need for solutions that meet the demands of local communities, while ensuring the economic viability of concession projects.
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