Protest in Baltar/Parada calls for A4 roundabout after Vítor Silva death

Dozens of people gathered in a circle on Saturday at Baltar/Parada, by the A4 exit, to demand that a roundabout be built at the site. The demonstration also included a one-minute silence in memory of their friend Vítor Silva, who died in a crash at this A4 access.

A4 Baltar/Parada junction: calls for a roundabout

“"We won’t let the issue be forgotten. The roundabout was promised four years ago. If nothing is done, every two months we will repeat the protest. For Vítor and for everyone,"” said Carlos Leite, one of those taking part.

Leite warned that the spot is dangerous, as it functions as both an entry and an exit for the A4 at Baltar/Parada. “"It makes no sense that there isn’t a roundabout at this access to the motorway. While nothing is done, we won’t keep quiet,"” he insisted, noting that Saturday’s action was brief and symbolic so as not to disrupt traffic or create problems. He added that the authorities were present.

In memory of Vítor Silva

Vítor Silva was riding a motorcycle with his wife when they were involved in a collision with another vehicle. He died at the scene, and his wife remains in hospital at Hospital Padre Américo, in Penafiel.

Council announcement

The protest went ahead despite an announcement made on Wednesday by the Mayor of Paredes, concerning the construction of a roundabout at this junction. Alexandre Almeida said the tender for the €400,000 project will be launched in September, with a six-month build period.

As reported by JN, the mayor stated that the aim is to remove a road accident blackspot, and that since 2022 the council has been trying to alert central government to the importance of the work on a road (EN 15) that falls under Infraestruturas de Portugal.

Because the process dragged on, Alexandre Almeida explained that the council asked for authorisation to build the roundabout and cover the costs itself. He argued that the urgency is linked to the heavy flow of freight vehicles using the junction as a main connection to Porto. The situation has also worsened with new companies setting up in Baltar.