Discount on toll rates extended to May

The discount given on toll rates in March for the North-South leg of Highway 2000 has been further extended to May 21. The original 25 per cent discount would have expired today.

Minister of Transport and Mining Mike Henry made the announcement yesterday, revealing that the decision was made during a meeting with the relevant parties late Wednesday evening.

NEGOTIATIONS ONGOING

Negotiations to decide on an equilibrium toll fee are ongoing, however. The minister said that traffic flow would play a significant role in determining the final fees. Henry insisted that an equilibrium toll would eventually be decided on but would have to provide a level of affordability for road users and would have to be economically viable for its operators.

Henry also announced that he would be encouraging the operators of the highway to do their best to ensure that the rest stop facilities located near the Moneague exit point are completed by May. Motorists who have been using the highway since it opened on March 23 have been appealing for the conveniences to become operational. Henry said that the structural works have been completed, but the electricity and water facilities are still being worked on.

The initial decision to implement a reprieve on the rates came about as a result of public outcry when the rates that were first published were considered to be excessive.