THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE RECENT publication of an advertisement outlining the proposal to increase the toll charge to use the Sandy Bay to Mandela Highway segment of the toll road has prompted me to ask the following question, 'What is the justification for an increase in the toll charge?'
Prior to the opening of the Bushy Park to Mandela Highway, motorists operating small vehicles paid $50 to use the toll road and after that segment was opened, we were charged $160, more than a hundred per cent increase, to use the additional 22 kilometres of road.
BENEFITS OF USING ROADWAY
While I acknowledge the benefits of using this roadway, I still do not see the justification for an increase in the charges at this time. I use the toll road daily and would like to point out the following:
1. To date, street lights still have not been affixed along the entire stretch of the road, resulting in a pitch black roadway at nights.
2. Stray animals wander along the road, which is clearly a hazard to motorists. I can make specific reference to a 'family' of mules and a herd of goats that, from time to time, casually walk on the segment of the road near to the Sandy Bay entrance.
3. Persons who live in nearby communities continue to run across the road, even though there are overhead bridges, foolishly endangering themselves and the motorists. This means that the perimeter fence does not effectively serve the purpose for which it was intended.
4. Having experienced a vehicle malfunction, and called for assistance using the telephone placed along the road, up to the time when the problem was finally corrected, nobody came to my assistance.
I would also like to raise the following questions:
1. Do the parishes through which the toll road passes benefit in any way from the monies paid for the charges?
2. The few street lights that are installed on the roadway, who pays for them? Is it the already under-financed parish councils?
3. Is the proposed increase being predicated solely on the fact that the Toll Act provides for an increase?
4. Is it that this stretch of road is underutilised why an increase is being proposed?
5. In light of this impending increase, will a reasonable rate be charged to use the Portmore segment of the toll road?
CHALLENGING ECONOMIC TIMES
It is no secret that we are living in challenging economic times, and an increase in the toll will place additional burden on those of us who use these roadways. While it can be argued that we have the option of using the alternate routes, the reality is that the alternate roads, in some instances, cannot support high volumes of traffic, and even if you are blessed with patience like Job, nobody wants to be stuck in traffic for long hours.
If increased rates are going to be charged then, to use Jamaican parlance: 'Wi mus' see what wi a pay fah'.
I am, etc.,
CLAUDIA R. THOMPSON
Heartease
Mandeville P.O.
Manchester
