Highway 2000 toll hike pushed back by a week

 

The Ministry of Transport has approved the implementation of a new fee structure to the operator of Highway 2000 East-West.

 

The effective date is now next Saturday July 9, instead of tomorrow.

 

The previously published rates remain unchanged.

 

Toll Authority CEO Lerone Laing confirmed with Radio Jamaica News that the toll variations sought by Jamaican Infrastructure Operator Limited were approved but said "it is up to the operators to decide the actual implementation date and the actual toll rates that they will implement as long as they are below the approved cap."

 

The new toll rate structure affects motorists going through the toll plazas at Portmore, Spanish Town, Vineyards and May Pen.

 

For Class One vehicles, the increases will be $50, $30, $50 and $40 respective.

 

Portmore residents have expressed anger at the increased toll rates, with the threat of protest action becoming stronger.

 

But Dalton Scott, President of the Cumberland Tri-Sector Citizens Association in Portmore, said the delay in the implementation of the new toll rates is encouraging.

 

Mr. Scott is optimistic it is a sign that the citizens' concerns have "not fallen on deaf ears" so there is still time to negotiate a lowering of the fees. 

 

He is recommending that the increase be spread over two years.