Lisbon, April 7, 2026 (Lusa) - Portugal's interior ministry will present strategic road-safety measures following 20 deaths in accidents over Easter.

In a statement, the ministry said it would present the package soon, including short, medium and long-term measures.

The announcement followed final data from special operations by the GNR (National Republican Guard) and the PSP (Public Security Police), which ended on Monday and recorded 20 deaths and 53 serious injuries in just over 2,600 road accidents.

The ministry said "the response to this scourge must be joint" because road safety requires an effort and a commitment from everyone: the state, local councils, public and private entities and every citizen.

Despite road safety awareness and enforcement campaigns, improved infrastructure and vehicle safety, "persistent risky behaviour continues, such as driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding and using mobile phones while driving."

"We must go further in other areas that directly influence driver behaviour to create a safe road environment," the statement said.

Among the thousands of drivers checked, officers arrested 692 for driving with a blood alcohol level of 1.2 g/l or higher, according to provisional final reports from the two forces.

The National Republican Guard (GNR) detected over 2,300 vehicles over the speed limit between 2 and 6 April during its Easter 2026 operation. It issued around 1,000 fines for failing to have a mandatory vehicle safety inspection and 240 for failing to have insurance.

The Public Security Police (PSP) detected 693 speeding vehicles during its "Police Always Present: Safe Easter 2026" operation between 27 March and 6 April. Officers issued 611 fines for failing to have a mandatory vehicle safety inspection and 285 for no insurance.

RCV/LYT// ADB.

Lusa