29 January 2009

NZ Transport Agency Auckland Regional Office

Credit cards beat toll queues

The NZ Transport Agency is reminding motorists driving on the Northern Gateway Toll Road that they can pay their toll by credit card online at www.tollroad.govt.nz or by freephone 0800 40 20 20.

"Going online or using our freephone means people do not have to interrupt their journey by stopping at the cash payment kiosks located near the approaches to both ends of the toll road," said Wayne McDonald, the NZTA's Regional Director for Auckland/Northland.

"Paying before their journey, or up to three days after, will allow you to enjoy the full benefit of using the new road at motorways speeds - uninterrupted."

Figures released by the NZTA shows that 4,852 trips were purchased from the four cash payment kiosks on Tuesday, January 27 and 4,278 on Wednesday, January 28.

The average purchase was $2 - the cost of one trip for a car or a light vehicle.

The NZTA reminds motorists that they can pay for tolls in bulk, up to ten trips, via the kiosks, web or freephone. These trips are valid for 180 days.

"This way you don't have to arrange payment every time you use the road - it's like buying a concession ticket for a bus," says Mr McDonald

The toll for using the road is $2 for cars and light vehicles, and $4 for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes. The toll for motorbikes is set at zero. Caravans and trailers are free.

For those motorists not wanting to use the toll road, there are two free alternatives: SH17 through Silverdale, Orewa and Waiwera, and SH16 between Auckland and Wellsford.

ENDS

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