Media release
24 September 2002

Toll On Eastern Corridor Road Would Not Be $5

Manukau mayor Sir Barry Curtis is rejecting speculation that any toll for vehicles travelling on the proposed Eastern Corridor expressway would be $5 or more.

He says it's early days yet and no decision's been taken on whether or not the road would involve private funding, or whether there would be a toll at all. "There may not be one but, if there is, the toll is more likely to be set around the $2 - $2.20 figure charged on similar routes in Australia.

"No-one knows yet how the funding package will be made up. However, privately-operated roads are common around the world and drivers are happy to pay such an amount for the speed and convenience these roads provide. It's a small price - about the same as a cappuccino.

"But charging $10 for a return journey on the eastern expressway would not be realistic.

"I also do not support bringing back tolls on the Auckland Harbour Bridge and don't believe it will happen. However a second harbour crossing will be needed eventually to deal with the ever-growing traffic across the Waitemata, and I expect that will be a tolled route.

"As there is not enough funding available from the public purse for every roading and transport project needed in the Auckland region, funding will most likely have to come from the private sector. Naturally, a return on that investment will be required, so I anticipate that second harbour crossing will be tolled, whether it's a bridge or a tunnel.

"No decisions have been made about what type of crossing it will be, or its location. But it must be part of our long term plans for transport improvements in the region because the current bridge cannot cope with expected growth in vehicle numbers."

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