STCP reinforces Via Livre operation to combat illegal parking in Porto

The team will now have 10 members dedicated to the operation, doubling its intervention capacity in the city. This reinforcement is part of a program developed with the Porto City Council and the Porto Municipal Police, which intensifies enforcement to prevent and deter illegal parking on public transport lanes.

The service will be reinforced with more teams and greater hourly coverage, operating with two teams in the morning and two in the afternoon, six days a week. Whenever necessary, inspections may also take place during the night or early morning, especially to support special events.

Over the past 17 months, Operation Via Livre has identified several critical areas where illegal parking continues to hinder public transport operations, such as Rua Costa Cabral, Carvalhido, Praça do Marquês de Pombal, Rua de Dom Manuel II, and Avenida dos Aliados.

The most frequently detected infractions correspond to prohibited parking, parking in public transport stops, improper occupation of bus lanes, and obstruction of bus traffic lanes, situations that have a direct impact on the regularity and safety of the service and on the boarding and disembarking conditions for passengers.

With this reinforcement, STCP aims to increase the effectiveness of inspections and contribute to a smoother flow of public transport, promoting a more regular, safe and reliable service for all users.