The NZ Transport Agency says motorists wanting to beat the queues at busy cash payment points approaching the Northern Gateway Toll Road can call free on 0800 40 20 20 or go to the website.
The NZ Transport Agency says motorists wanting to beat the queues at busy cash payment points approaching the Northern Gateway Toll Road can call free on 0800 40 20 20 or go to www.tollroad.govt.nz(external link).
"You can pay your toll at motorway speeds and buy from one to ten trips online or by freephone without having to interrupt your journey by stopping at the cash payment points," says Wayne McDonald, the NZTA's Regional Director. "There's no extra charge to pay by phone or the internet, and you can save time and enjoy the benefits of the new motorway even if you just want to make one trip."
The NZTA says motorists who prefer to pay at the kiosks are not restricted to paying for just one trip either.
Figures released today by the NZTA show that 4, 852 trips were purchased yesterday [Tuesday, January 27] at the kiosks located at BP Connect Dairy Flat on the northbound approach to the toll road and at Titford’s Bridge on the south bound approach. By 4pm today [Wednesday, January 28], just over 2,200 had been purchased.
Mr MCDonald said many people were queuing for a single trip when they did not have to.
"About 70 percent of motorists using the road are casual users, and 50 percent of those casual users are stopping to pay at kiosks," says Mr McDonald.
The NZTA says traffic will be heavy on the 7.5km long SH1 toll road between Orewa and Puhoi during next week's long Waitangi Day weekend and advises people if they want to stop to pay cash, they can expect delays at the kiosks.
Mr McDonald advises motorists to pay before, or within three days of their trip.
"The beauty of the toll road is that they don't have to stop to pay - no matter how many trips they make," he says.
Around 10,000 accounts have already been set up at www.tollroad.govt.nz(external link), or through the 0800 40 20 20 free phone number. “That’s a fantastic response after only a few weeks when we had originally predicted that number of accounts after one a year,” said Mr McDonald.
The toll tariffs are $2 for each trip for a car of light vehicle, and $4 for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes. The tariff for motorbikes is zero, and caravans and trailers are free.
All tickets are valid for 180 days.
People not wanting to use the toll road have the option of two free alternatives; the old main route through Silverdale, Orewa and the coast to Puhoi; and SH16 to the west between Wellsford and Auckland.
Ewart Barnsley
Stakeholder/Communications Manager - Auckland
DDI 09 368 2142
M 027 213 7616
E ewart.barnsley@nzta.govt.nz
