Everyone who uses the toll road enjoys the benefits of the straighter, quicker route. Motorcyclists equally benefit from the shorter travel time, safer motorway and fuel cost savings.
Up until now, motorcyclists have not been charged to use New Zealand’s first fully electronic toll road. Last year we consulted with the public on whether motorcyclists should be charged a toll if they choose to use the toll road, and in March this year the NZTA Board decided that motorcyclists should be tolled.
The Board also agreed that motorcyclists receive the same benefits from using the toll road as other motorists and recommended that motorcycles should therefore be charged the same toll as cars, which is currently $2 each way. We plan to introduce the motorcycle toll in mid-2010.
Charging motorcyclists a toll is a matter of fairness and will mean that all users of the road will pay a toll. It will also help contribute to repaying the construction costs of the road sooner.
The NZTA borrowed half of the construction costs of the road in order to open it earlier than would have otherwise been possible and the toll revenue collected is used to repay this debt. When the debt is repaid, the toll will be removed. This is the only purpose for charging a toll on the Northern Gateway Toll Road – tolls are not used to pay for wear and tear or maintenance of the road.
Any questions?
Please see our questions and answers.
