The development and implementation of ITS in Portugal in its different aspects is still in an early state. Nevertheless some studies and experiments have taken place and other initiatives in this field are under way namely within the scope of international European projects and cooperation. The greatest share of the interurban traffic of passengers and goods takes place at the National Roads Network. Several indicators show that in Portugal car ownership and its use have been experiencing a considerable growth over the last few years (5 to 3 inhabitants/private vehicle from 1990 to 1995). As a result, traffic problems (related, for example, to congestion and parking) have increased, especially in the two Metropolitan Areas of Lisbon and Oporto.
Samenvatting