JLP and PNP politicians against toll increase

As per via the Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica (PBCJ), Laing said it forego an increase which was granted by the government in 2020.

The Toll Authority has submitted to the government an application for a rate increase which it is entitled to in accordance with a 2001 Concession Agreement between the state-owned National Road Constructing and Operating Company (NROCC) and TransJamaica Highway Limited, owned by international French engineering firm Bougues Travaux Publics.

Laing argued that several factors, such as the foreign exchange rate, fuel, and consumer price index, influenced its decision to apply for a tariff adjustment.

He further argued that between 2020 and 2022 it was not compensated for the loss in revenue which the Government of Jamaica is contractually obligated to do based on a formula outlined in the concession agreement.

During this period of no adjustment the Toll Authority said maintenance and operational costs have increased – fundamental factors which it is unable to continue to absorb.

If granted toll fees will jump between 9 and 26 percent.

The debate surrounding toll hikes has become an annual event that divides public opinion.

This year the debate has heightened in light of a looming global recession triggered by the coronavirus health pandemic and further exacerbated by the ongoing war between Russian and Ukraine which has sent oil and food prices soaring.

Against this backdrop politicians on both sides of the political divide have called for further delay in increase as consumers buckle under the sheer weight of the economic pressure.

“With Class One vehicles now having to pay $286,000 per year and Class Two vehicles paying $468,000 per year if used five days per week to and from work at the Vineyards Toll Plaza, residents of South West St Catherine will no doubt feel the pinch handed down by the Toll Authority’s toll hikes.

“A reduction in the gas taxes which the opposition has been calling for, for a very long time now would undoubtedly help to reduce the burden borne by commuters living in South West St Catherine who use the PJ Patterson Highway every day to and from work.

“I make an appeal to the government on behalf of the citizens to reduce the gas taxes now before the proverbial straw breaks the camel's back,” said Dr Kurt Waul, chairman of the People’s National Party (PNP) St Catherine South Western constituency in an interview with Old Harbour News.

South East St Catherine Member of Parliament Robert Miller (JLP) has written to Transport Minister Audley Shaw asking for a renegotiation of the concession agreement.

Miller told the PBCJ: “The constituents are of the belief that this negotiation, this agreement that was inked way back by the then administration in 2001 has been erroneous and needs to be [re]negotiated.

“With my discussion with the citizens of the constituency they’re of the belief that an increase at this time… should not to be granted to TransJamaica Highway.”

The proposed increase will come into effect on July 2, 2022 if approved.