The NZ Transport Agency is encouraging drivers to pay in advance for trips on the Northern Gateway Toll Road on State Highway 1 to avoid delays during the holiday peaks over summer.
The NZ Transport Agency is encouraging drivers to pay in advance for trips on the Northern Gateway Toll Road on State Highway 1 to avoid delays during the holiday peaks over summer.
“State Highway 1 north between Auckland and Northland will be extremely busy during the holiday period,” said the NZTA’s Regional Director for Auckland and Northland, Wayne McDonald. “We’re urging people to buy their toll road trips now to avoid the holiday rush.”
The NZTA is encouraging people to open toll accounts for a minimum of $20.
“It’s a pay and forget option – open an account and you won’t have to stop or worry about paying tolls on time throughout the summer,” Mr McDonald said. “Accounts are topped up automatically and you’ll get regular statements tracking your toll road journeys.”
The NZTA has also introduced a ‘mate’s plates’ option, which will allow account holders to include the registration numbers of vehicles belonging to family or friends on their account. The system could benefit people heading to holiday reunions who might be unfamiliar with the toll road and its payment options, Mr McDonald said.
Accounts can be opened at www.tollroad.govt.nz(external link) or at freephone 0800 40 20 20. Single or multiple trips can also be purchased in advance on-line, or by phone. All trips are valid for 180 days and people with unused tolls at the end of summer can get a refund.
Mr McDonald said that the NZTA has responded to feedback from toll road users, and made a number of changes to make payments easier. The toll road website has been modified to make it simpler to pay on-line, and the payment period for those who don’t pay in advance has been extended from three to five days.
Changes have also been made to the payment kiosks located at both approaches to the toll road to make them easier to use. An additional fifth kiosk is now operating at the BP service station on SH1 at Silverdale, and will remain in place until next Easter.
Mr McDonald said that even with the extra machine the kiosks would be very busy at Christmas and New Year. Motorists could save time by paying in advance or at anytime within five days after using the road.
For more information please contact:
Ewart Barnsley
Auckland Media Manager
NZ Transport Agency
T +64 9 3682142
M +64 27 2137616
F +64 9 3682059
