Are you going to pay for the new Toll Road?

[Qkchk]

So the Northern Gateway (Orewa to Puhoi) is getting closer to completition. Have been scanning the NZTA (LTNZ) website and see this:

Info on the Tollroad (http://www.ltsa.govt.nz/tollroad/toll-tariff.html)

Supposedly it looks like Motorcycles 'may have to pay' $2 (it's not confirmed yet), the same price as a car. This is all collected via photographing your plate and linking it to a pre-paid account.

Would you be prepare to pay the price?



Interesting Thought: Wonder if you could get away with a flip-up plate? :scratch:

[Reckless]

nope I wouldn't!
1- Its not encouraging bikes! rip off!
2- Once all the cages go on that boring, straight, new highway the old road might be a better ride! Gimme corners!

[nodrog]

So the Northern Gateway (Orewa to Puhoi) is getting closer to completition. Have been scanning the NZTA (LTNZ) website and see this:

Info on the Tollroad (http://www.ltsa.govt.nz/tollroad/toll-tariff.html)

Supposedly it looks like Motorcycles 'may have to pay' $2 (it's not confirmed yet), the same price as a car. This is all collected via photographing your plate and linking it to a pre-paid account.

Would you be prepare to pay the price?



Interesting Thought: Wonder if you could get away with a flip-up plate? :scratch:

are there barrier arms like on the tauranga toll road?

[sunhuntin]

im assuming the toll is to cover road damage and the like? if so, what are the rates for large trucks [stock, shipping continer etc]

bikes should be exempt from charges.

[Tank]

Will I pay it - Absolutely 100% YES!





once. Just to go thru the tunnel.




I like the road over the hills - and think that the view you get over the inlet (when riding south) is stunning. Why have a bike and pay more for less enjoyment ?

[vifferman]

are there barrier arms like on the tauranga toll road?
No, it's entirely by gantries over the road with cameras/scanners to read numberplates. You can then pay online (within 3 days or summat), or at a service station before/after the toll road (the BP on the left heading north before you get there, and another on the northern side).
They have the same things overseas (like around Seeedneeee), which are the same except they also have an "e-pass" tag in your vehicle, and some have tollbooths for cash payment.

[nosebleed]

im assuming the toll is to cover road damage and the like? if so, what are the rates for large trucks [stock, shipping continer etc]

bikes should be exempt from charges.

actually i think the toll is set up to cover the cost of construction at this stage, if it stays on past this, then yeah it'll be for up-keep.

will i pay it, yes. once. to see what its like. (hope it is automatic-gonna be cnut searching for 2 bucks when all geared up)

after that i'm with reckless, i'll be using the old (current) road.

[nodrog]

No, it's entirely by gantries over the road with cameras/scanners to read numberplates. You can then pay online (within 3 days or summat), or at a service station before/after the toll road (the BP on the left heading north before you get there, and another on the northern side).
They have the same things overseas (like around Seeedneeee), which are the same except they also have an "e-pass" tag in your vehicle, and some have tollbooths for cash payment.

cool, so "if" i have my numberplate "slighty" obscured, it will be free :niceone:

[Swoop]

Looking at that website, I can forsee many troubles ahead for motorists.
"Pay if you feel like it" booths?
Non payment within 72 hrs will also incur an "administrative fee" (amount uncertain).
Why do cars and bikes have to be charged the same amount? Much less road wear that is caused by a bike?
Trailer towing vehicles do not attract a surcharge? They put more wheels onto the road so therefore contribute more to wear and tear.

[Rockbuddy]

lets all send emails to tollroad@nzta.govt.nz and ask them why motorbikes have to pay the same as cars

[Finn]

Why go SH1 when there's SH16?

[Big Dave]

Only for work reasons or schedule. Recreation is 16.

[gtr boy]

all good got me number plate sorted for the fookers,and on the news last night the regos go up next year to $287 if labour doesnt get in,
it will go up who ever gets in


beat them at there own game and rebel by covering your plate when your going over the toll

fook em :headbang:

[slofox]

no........

[mowgli]

after that i'm with reckless, i'll be using the old (current) road.
Hmmmm, I used to take a back road to visit my folks in Tauranga. When they opened the new toll road they dropped the speed limit on my regular route and threw in a couple of roundabouts for good measure.

I'd be surprised if the existing route up your way becomes a car-less biker haven :angry:

[Forest]

No, it's entirely by gantries over the road with cameras/scanners to read numberplates. You can then pay online (within 3 days or summat), or at a service station before/after the toll road (the BP on the left heading north before you get there, and another on the northern side).
They have the same things overseas (like around Seeedneeee), which are the same except they also have an "e-pass" tag in your vehicle, and some have tollbooths for cash payment.

I don't know about Sydney, but motorbikes travel for free on Melbourne toll roads.

[Waxxa]

I will absolutely refuse to pay for any toll roads imposed in this country. Isn't it what our fuel taxes are for? (and another 10c tax will go on fuel in the Auckland region to pay for these projects very soon by the way). And the saving of transport costs for the truckies alone warrants no tolls (this, over time pays for the road).

[TOTO]

Not gonna use it. sh16 is what i'll be using in public hollidays, wether on a bike or not.

[vifferman]

Hmmmm, I used to take a back road to visit my folks in Tauranga. When they opened the new toll road they dropped the speed limit on my regular route and threw in a couple of roundabouts for good measure.
We went over the Tauranga toll road again in the weekend (made the vifferbabe all pissy about paying $1, but the Tom Tom Chick told us to go that way - said it was quicker). Anyway, why the foooook is it only 80km/h along there? [insert :spudwhat: emoticodwebicon here] There's almost zero traffic, the wide is wide'n'straightish (albeit a bit bumpy). If you're paying for it, it should have NO speed limit. It's almost/nearly/more or less a private road/racetrack.

[raftn]

Will try it once, after that........Sh16.

[nosebleed]

Hmmmm, I used to take a back road to visit my folks in Tauranga. When they opened the new toll road they dropped the speed limit on my regular route and threw in a couple of roundabouts for good measure.

I'd be surprised if the existing route up your way becomes a car-less biker haven :angry:

Point taken.
It only cuts out the area from Orewa to Puhoi (at the moment) anyway, so I'm under no illusion that it'll become the new '16'.

However the part that it will bypass is a notorious summertime bottleneck (see this Labour Day when a truck broke down heading out of Waiwera) so this'll mean that 'most' cars will continue up the motorway, while those of us looking at a Northeastern route (for whatever reason) can enjoy a few kays of twisties till we rejoin the traffic further up.

[ManDownUnder]

No.

My prediction - the road opens, lots use it - get to like it and it eases traffic enough on the alternative route to make it really easy for bikes to filter up and along.

If it cuts more than 30kms off the distance travelled I might be interested (that's about my payback point on $2 fuel). Tempting to get clever and flip up plates etc but getting stung for that would pay for a hell of a lot of $2 tolls.

[Finn]

We should not stop here either. Roads should be privatised. In certain parts of southern France, the roads (mainly motorways) were privatised. As soon as the new roads were built and tolls installed, the owners gave the transport authority a months notice to remove the speed cameras from private property. Nice.

[vifferman]

It was interesting traveling through Yurp in August/September. Many of the roads we went on were toll roads, so several times a day we had to stop and pay a toll. Some of the towns/cities also had some kind of tourist tax levied on buses, which was kind of mental given the income tourism in and of itself probably provided.

That reminds me of a surreal moment on the tour. We stopped at a toll booth (automated), behind this old duck. First she stopped in the wrong place, so she couldn't reach the machine.
Then she moved the car - still couldn't reach the machine, but now also couldn't open her door when she decided to get out.
She shifted it again, and tried talking to the machine (well - it was talking to her!).
She got no satisfaction, so she got out to remonstrate with it.
(By now, I suggested the bus driver nudge her forward and out of the way).
Eventually the Euro dropped (heh) and she worked out the machine was hungry, so she got back in her car, got some money (spilling her handbag's contents in the footwell in the process), and fed the machine.
It wasn't enough, so she went back for some more.
EVENTUALLY... the attendant came over to see WTF was going on, and pressed the button to just let her through.
We were all expecting that after this display of decreptitude and snail-like action, she would creep off in her shitmobile at 30km/h. To our surprise, she planted her foot, and was out of there like a scalded cat.
It was some of the best entertainment on the trip.

[slimjim]

so what about...way out of towners (shock.. us folkthat are bombay bay down)that have only a RD address..whom may have taken that route to see what all the taxes have paided for...how they gona send us a toll ticket.?

[johannvr]

so what about...way out of towners (shock.. us folkthat are bombay bay down)that have only a RD address..whom may have taken that route to see what all the taxes have paided for...how they gona send us a toll ticket.?

Shite Mate - I'm on a RD address here & the geezer that operates Rural deliveries here knows more about what goes on in our lives (and the neighbours', and their neighbours' ) than we do, I'm sure ... so they'll find us :Oi:

PO Box in the city somewhere would be anonymous :niceone:

[Bonez]

It'll be worth a pootle to see what all the fuss is about.
The habour bridge had tolls till the clipons where paid for. No dought the same will apply to this.

Penty of areas in NZ with less traffic and good roads to ride on.

[NOMIS]

So the Northern Gateway (Orewa to Puhoi) is getting closer to completition. Have been scanning the NZTA (LTNZ) website and see this:

Info on the Tollroad (http://www.ltsa.govt.nz/tollroad/toll-tariff.html)

Supposedly it looks like Motorcycles 'may have to pay' $2 (it's not confirmed yet), the same price as a car. This is all collected via photographing your plate and linking it to a pre-paid account.

Would you be prepare to pay the price?



Interesting Thought: Wonder if you could get away with a flip-up plate? :scratch:


No I wouldnt the twistys at waiwera will be great with out traffic ;-)

cant wait, But ill pay to go through the tunnel at 16000rpm with the silencers out.

:-)

[NZsarge]

No, it's entirely by gantries over the road with cameras/scanners to read numberplates. You can then pay online (within 3 days or summat), or at a service station before/after the toll road (the BP on the left heading north before you get there, and another on the northern side).
They have the same things overseas (like around Seeedneeee), which are the same except they also have an "e-pass" tag in your vehicle, and some have tollbooths for cash payment.

Yeah my brother in Oz uses e-Tag on his way into Brisbane during the week, in that toll booth theres also a couple of lanes in either direction that you use if paying in cash.

[Forest]

so what about...way out of towners (shock.. us folkthat are bombay bay down)that have only a RD address..whom may have taken that route to see what all the taxes have paided for...how they gona send us a toll ticket.?

In Melbourne the overhead gantries record your license plate as you progress through the network.

If you don't have an electronic pass, you have to ring a free call number within 72 hours of travel and purchase a day-pass (I pay by credit card, but I'm sure there are other payment options).

If you don't pay with 72 hours, a penalty fine is posted to the registered address of the motor vehicle (which they get from the plate number).

[Badjelly]

In Melbourne the overhead gantries record your license plate as you progress through the network.

If you don't have an electronic pass, you have to ring a free call number within 72 hours of travel and purchase a day-pass (I pay by credit card, but I'm sure there are other payment options).

If you don't pay with 72 hours, a penalty fine is posted to the registered address of the motor vehicle (which they get from the plate number).

Mrs Jelly and I went on the Melbourne Citylink in a rental car earlier this month, after the MotoGP at Phillip Island. The price for a day pass, to travel on ~ 10 km of motorway through the city was AU$11. Steep, we thought, but better than having to navigate across the city on crowded roads. Melbourne's a lovely place in many ways, but we just wanted to get out of there.

If you get an E-tag it's a lot cheaper, though I don't know how much. (Maybe half that.) If you just decide not to pay, I expect it's much dearer, when they finally catch up with you. The rental car people told us beforehand that leaving the country without paying would be a very bad idea. And they had my credit card details, so we took their advice.

[The Pastor]

No I wouldnt the twistys at waiwera will be great with out traffic ;-)

cant wait, But ill pay to go through the tunnel at 16000rpm with the silencers out.

:-)
i want to get a group ride of 250s who will just nail it down the tunnel. It will sound like heaven!

[Maha]

2- Once all the cages go on that boring, straight, new highway the old road might be a better ride! Gimme corners!

Yip, with ya there.


im assuming the toll is to cover road damage and the like? if so, what are the rates for large trucks [stock, shipping continer etc]

bikes should be exempt from charges.

Its just a big fat case of 'user pays'...use the road and pay.
And why should bikes be exempt?... because they are lighter???


Will I pay it - Absolutely 100% YES!
once. Just to go thru the tunnel.
I like the road over the hills - and think that the view you get over the inlet (when riding south) is stunning. Why have a bike and pay more for less enjoyment ?

Good point. But it would sound damn fine with about 30 bikes in the tunnel at once....:niceone:

[Forest]

Mrs Jelly and I went on the Melbourne Citylink in a rental car earlier this month, after Phillip Island. The price for a day pass, to travel on ~ 10 km of motorway through the city was AU$11. Steep, we thought, but better than having to navigate across the city on crowded roads. Melbourne's a lovely place in many ways, but we just wanted to get out of there.

If you get an E-tag it's a lot cheaper, though I don't know how much. (Maybe half that.) If you just decide not to pay, I expect it's much dearer, when they finally catch up with you. The rental car people told us beforehand that leaving the country without paying would be a very bad idea. And they had my credit card details, so we took their advice.

The daypass is expensive. However it does give you unlimited travel on all of the toll roads e.g. Citylink, Domain Tunnel, Batman Avenue, Eastlink etc.

The E-tag simply charges you a small toll for each tollway section that you use. So you don't pay for more than you use.

If you have an Avis rental car, they will charge you the full day-pass fee for every single day of your rental (which is a complete ripoff for long rentals). If you don't pay for rentals on your contract, and forget to buy any daypasses from the tollway operators, then Avis will charge you $9.50 for every day that you actually used the tollways plus a $20 administration fee.

[Mom]

No I wouldnt the twistys at waiwera will be great with out traffic ;-)
cant wait, But ill pay to go through the tunnel at 16000rpm with the silencers out. :-)

Doubt you will be going too fast through them twisties mate, they are not going to be dropping that 80kmh speed restriction in a hurry, and no doubt will be policing it harder knowing the thinking of some that will want to have a bit of fun through there once the tunnels are open.

We live just north of Puhoi. We have 5 vehicles and we travel south very regularly. Yes we will use that toll road, mostly for time saved getting to appointments, or the airport or what have you. We always have the option to take the old SH1 route, but I am old enough to remember the motorway extension from Wairou Rd, everyone said then they would prefer to take the old way as it will be less congested. Tui anyone?

What about the new motorway to Orewa, everyone will continue to use East Coast Road as it will be empty, it is for the most part, but now they dont maintain the fucker so well, and it is crap to travel on.

I just hope that we can have one account that all 5 of our vehicles can be loaded against is all.

As far as the amount of the toll is concerned, this is not about road damage, or attempting to get people off the road, it is apparently a levey to actually pay for the construction of the road. Therefore any user will have to pay. Be cool if the fee was less for bikes, but I doubt that will happen.

[Blackshear]

I know I may sound like a twat here, but I've had the perfect idea for a plate hider for some time now.
Think plate-sized calculator-type LCD.
Add a switch.
You have see through (May appear to be a plate protector to 99% of people, flick a switch in that 'show room' to turn it black.

Feedback?
A. Works
B. Wont works.

[davereid]

You can do better than that.. the speed camera defeater system...

Buy two cheap welding helmets with LCD darkening visors.

Put one of the screens over the left hand side of your number plate.
Put the other over the right hand side of the number plate.

Alternately, turn the left side dark, then the right side dark.

If you do it at 25hz, the human eye won't notice - it will use persistance of vision to fill in the gaps.

But a camera has a flash duration of 1/10,000th sec, and a best flash synch speed of 1/60th sec.

So, only one half of your number plate can ever be photographed in a single frame.

If you choose 25hz, and you add a third cycle, where both sides are dark for 1/25 sec, the human eye may notice flickering.

But a LIDAR based speed measuring device focussed on your numberplate would take a long time to lock, if it did at all.

This is because they have a 1/100 of a sec repetition rate (50hz) and need to get a number of "correct" readings before they lock.

If readings are missed, they have to start again.

[Blackshear]

You can do better than that.. the speed camera defeater system...

Buy two cheap welding helmets with LCD darkening visors.

Put one of the screens over the left hand side of your number plate.
Put the other over the right hand side of the number plate.

Alternately, turn the left side dark, then the right side dark.

If you do it at 25hz, the human eye won't notice - it will use persistance of vision to fill in the gaps.

But a camera has a flash duration of 1/10,000th sec, and a best flash synch speed of 1/60th sec.

So, only one half of your number plate can ever be photographed in a single frame.

If you choose 25hz, and you add a third cycle, where both sides are dark for 1/25 sec, the human eye may notice flickering.

But a LIDAR based speed measuring device focussed on your numberplate would take a long time to lock, if it did at all.

This is because they have a 1/100 of a sec repetition rate (50hz) and need to get a number of "correct" readings before they lock.

If readings are missed, they have to start again.

You're a fucking genius.

I swear. Now to find out how much the boss can gettem for tomorrow.

[MarkH]

Its just a big fat case of 'user pays'...use the road and pay.
And why should bikes be exempt?... because they are lighter???

More a case of bureaucrats double dipping and making users that have already paid pay again.

"you have to pay to use this road!"
"didn't I already do that? What happened to that road tax that I paid when I bought petrol?"
"Nah, we dumped a big chunk of that into the consolidated fund and spent in on health, education, justice & politicians salaries, we need more money now"

And of course bikes are lighter and therefore cause less wear on the roads. A big heavy 4x4 might weigh 10x as much as a bike and have twice as many wheels - why shouldn't bikes cost half as much or less for the toll road?

[alanzs]

I'll take it once to see if it's worth doing again. I think I'll take the coast road as there is no hurry and the view is quite nice...

[aahsv]

http://tollrider.com/

:Police:

[rocketman1]

Bikes should be at least half the price of cars.
Bikes induce less than about 10% of the wear on a road as a car does
Bikes should pay no more than a $1, or better for free.
This will encourage people to use cheap transport like scooters etc
No its stupid to charge a bike $2.

[jade]

Yea they have quite a few tolls here in sydney, they are bloody annoying if you dont have an e-tag, but I wouldnt say they slow traffic down unless you are paying cash.. flip up plate would work


They have the same things overseas (like around Seeedneeee), which are the same except they also have an "e-pass" tag in your vehicle, and some have tollbooths for cash payment.

[jade]

Mrs Jelly and I went on the Melbourne Citylink in a rental car earlier this month, after the MotoGP at Phillip Island. The price for a day pass, to travel on ~ 10 km of motorway through the city was AU$11. Steep, we thought, but better than having to navigate across the city on crowded roads. Melbourne's a lovely place in many ways, but we just wanted to get out of there.

If you get an E-tag it's a lot cheaper, though I don't know how much. (Maybe half that.) If you just decide not to pay, I expect it's much dearer, when they finally catch up with you. The rental car people told us beforehand that leaving the country without paying would be a very bad idea. And they had my credit card details, so we took their advice.
I went to the same gp.. campervan.. went through 3 tolls... havent heard a word yet..
If you do decide to go through a toll without paying they send you a letter and you have about 10 days to pay it or it goes up to about 8 bucks from 4...

[Maha]

More a case of bureaucrats double dipping and making users that have already paid pay again.

"you have to pay to use this road!"
"didn't I already do that? What happened to that road tax that I paid when I bought petrol?"
"Nah, we dumped a big chunk of that into the consolidated fund and spent in on health, education, justice & politicians salaries, we need more money now"

And of course bikes are lighter and therefore cause less wear on the roads. A big heavy 4x4 might weigh 10x as much as a bike and have twice as many wheels - why shouldn't bikes cost half as much or less for the toll road?

$360 million to build, the term double dipping is a waste of a comment really. There weren't to many unhappy road users back in the Harbour Bridge Toll Days, people just got on with it and paid. The choice's are simple, use the toll road and pay or.....go another way. No point in getting bent out of shape about it. I will use it, probably not every trip down that way, my comment about bikes being lighter was sarcasm in case you missed it. About the only thing that will be exempt from paying a Toll will be Planes!
You may have to just deal with the situation as you see fit, everyone using toll roads pays the same amount, big, small or otherwise. Why should it be any different in this case? Your Burgman must weigh more than the average bike???

[pritch]

I know I may sound like a twat here, but I've had the perfect idea for a plate hider for some time now.
Think plate-sized calculator-type LCD.
Add a switch.
You have see through (May appear to be a plate protector to 99% of people, flick a switch in that 'show room' to turn it black.

Feedback?
A. Works
B. Wont works.

I don't know that the plate has bugger all to do with it initially. In WA cars have a barcode on the rear side window(s) I think. I guess if you don't have the barcode the forces of law and order come after you (carrying guns).

They probably have real good incentives to get you to pay...

Just might txt WA to check...

[MarkH]

Why should it be any different in this case? Your Burgman must weigh more than the average bike???

It weighs a hell of a lot less than the average car though.

[MarkH]

$360 million to build, the term double dipping is a waste of a comment really.

What does the $360 million have to do with it? My point is that they charge a 'road tax' when you buy petrol, they throw a big chunk into the consolidated fund, then they ask motorists for more money to help pay for a bit of road.

If all the 'road tax' collected on petrol was spent on roads and they needed more for this road then I wouldn't have a problem with it.

[madbikeboy]

I know I may sound like a twat here, but I've had the perfect idea for a plate hider for some time now.
Think plate-sized calculator-type LCD.
Add a switch.
You have see through (May appear to be a plate protector to 99% of people, flick a switch in that 'show room' to turn it black.

Feedback?
A. Works
B. Wont works.

Yeah, great minds and all that. Can you find one that would work?

[madbikeboy]

What does the $360 million have to do with it? My point is that they charge a 'road tax' when you buy petrol, they throw a big chunk into the consolidated fund, then they ask motorists for more money to help pay for a bit of road.

If all the 'road tax' collected on petrol was spent on roads and they needed more for this road then I wouldn't have a problem with it.

I pay 39% tax. Then I pay GST. Then I pay rates for the shore. And then Auckland city rates. And then I pay 70% tax on petrol. And I pay a higher ACC levy for riding a bike (which fucks me off since it's mostly cages that hurt us). And then road tolls. With what I have left over, I pay bills and insurance... I haven't dole bludged. I paid my own way through uni. I get told at least once a week how I'm a middle class white guy and life is too easy for me...

I've spent the last couple of weeks in Australia, it was really fucking hard to get on the bus to come home. We will end up there in the next 2-3 years (I love my job, and Ms MadBikeBoy is doing her PhD, so two more years and then we're off). Either Aus, or if I can swing it, San Fran (Marin County rocks).

[2 wheel madness]

Id have to give it a go, maybee change down a gear for the tunnel, but the old road is at least scenic and has some nice corners.

$2 is a bit steep though, considering it will proberbly need to be ripped up and resealed in six months time

[arj127]

My olds are moving to Matakana, so i will be using the new road if i'm in a hurry to visit, or the current if i have time on my hands.

I also figured the speed limit would be reduced or something similar to deter speedsters on the current road once the new road opens.

If on my bike i try to avoid the albany to orewa motorway at the moment as i find it dead boring (along with the huntly freeway), would rather travel east coast road or dairy flat ways. But if travelling in the cage, the motorway is first choice to reduce the trip lenght/time

As for the $2 fee, if it remains after the tunnels are paid for, perhaps they could then reduce the rate on motorcycle tolls in fairness for road maintenance

[Slyer]

All vehicles should pay the same amount.

[Delerium]

wont be using it. Iv already paid for it.

[2 wheel madness]

[QUOTE=madbikeboy;1788827]I pay 39% tax. Then I pay GST. Then I pay rates for the shore. And then Auckland city rates. And then I pay 70% tax on petrol. And I pay a higher ACC levy for riding a bike (which fucks me off since it's mostly cages that hurt us). And then road tolls. With what I have left over, I pay bills and insurance...

When you really look at it there isnt many cents left out of every dollar earnt is there. dont forget to pay your tolls, wasnt enough left out of the above for new roads.

Another thing that doesnt seem to be getting mentioned is that this section of motorway was scheduled to be completed years ago as the next stage from the orewa section but the contractors blew the budget on the first bit, now we have to pay again to finish it.

[MarkH]

All vehicles should pay the same amount.

That's a very convincing argument you make there, makes it very hard to disagree. (and yet I'll manage it)

[Redline_8749]

....

your avatar is awesome.

I can't comment, but if I travel up that way, I'd rather take the scenic road

[SixPackBack]

What kinda motorcyclist rides on the highway??.....................*well apart from the tassle clad wannabee with handbag over the bars*

[Maha]

What kinda motorcyclist rides on the highway??.....................*well apart from the tassle clad wannabee with handbag over the bars*

HEY!!! The only thing over my bars is my nose when im tapped out at 110kph.....

[Skyryder]

It'll be worth a pootle to see what all the fuss is about.
The habour bridge had tolls till the clipons where paid for. No dought the same will apply to this.

No it wont. The Harbour bridge was state funded. Road tolls are part of a privitisation deal. Once the road has paid it's way it's all profit. The toll will not come off. Maintance will be paid for by increasing the toll. The bottom line on this is that Kiwis will be required to pay too travel on roads in their own country. Most likely to overseas companies.

Skyryder

[hospitalfood]

i love motorways, best place to go fuckin fast. nobody pulls out on to the road without some warning, never seen a possum, head-ons are unlikely.
im keen as to give it a go.
it still has corners, they are just boring unless you are pulling over 200.
also a great chance to set a speed record from hm to aucks.

[Slyer]

Well, firstly lets get straight what this toll is to cover, it is to help cover the cost of construction. Basically what we need to decide on is which way is the best way to distribute the toll amongst motorists overall.
I think we all agree on the point that people should be tolled based on how many times they use it. How would you distribute the toll? Here are some examples of ways you could calculate the tolls.

Weight/Size of Vehicle - Would not be fair as this toll is to cover the contruction and having a heavy vehicle does not make the construction more expensive. We also want to encourage trucks to use the new highway as they were a main cause of problems on the old road.

Number of Occupants - Making the toll per person would be a bad idea as it discourages car-pooling and buses, second it would be quite difficult to enforce and also it does not take into account different ages.

Per Vehicle - By far the best system, this way the toll is most evenly distributed amongst motorists and the amount of convinience they receive. It is the most simple to calculate and enforce, encourages car-pooling, eases congestion on other roads as trucks can still use it.

[jtzzr]

i want to get a group ride of 250s who will just nail it down the tunnel. It will sound like heaven!

I`ve ridden through a swarm of bees Scotty, and it just sounded like a thousand bees getting killed by me and my screen, duh,duh times a thousand. Sorry that would make it 2000 bees,fuck the xtra duh


As for the toll , As a protest I`m gonna duplicate someone elses plate and ride past the barrier arms, Hey Renegade , whats your rego bro?

[The Pastor]

I`ve ridden through a swarm of bees Scotty, and it just sounded like a thousand bees getting killed by me and my screen, duh,duh times a thousand. Sorry that would make it 2000 bees,fuck the xtra duh


As for the toll , As a protest I`m gonna duplicate someone elses plate and ride past the barrier arms, Hey Renegade , whats your rego bro?
70uni..... why?

[Ixion]

I am surprised no one has commented on the main reason not to use it.

The tolls will be checked by cameras, mounted at each end. They state that the cameras will take photos of front and back. And the cameras automatically read your number plate.

So, at the beginning of this stretch of road, which has no exits or entrances , there is a camera recording your number plate. And , no doubt the date and time . A known number of kilometres later, another camera records your number plate. And, no doubt, the date and time.

You ncan see where this is going, can't you ?

[sAsLEX]

You ncan see where this is going, can't you ?

An un policed stretch of road for high speed runs and picnics on the roadside?

[SeppoDave]

Ixion

The tolling cameras are only at the south end of the motorway, so once you're through that's it. However, they do collect in both directions.

Dave

[arj127]

your avatar is awesome.

I can't comment, but if I travel up that way, I'd rather take the scenic road

Thanx, some bling would be nice.

[The Pastor]

also, they are operated by transit (or whatever the new name is) not the police.

The motorway has traffic monitering cameras every 500m or so - and they dont give out tickets.

[Usarka]

No it wont. The Harbour bridge was state funded. Road tolls are part of a privitisation deal. Once the road has paid it's way it's all profit. The toll will not come off. Maintance will be paid for by increasing the toll. The bottom line on this is that Kiwis will be required to pay too travel on roads in their own country. Most likely to overseas companies.

Skyryder

and Labour continue try to stir up fear about privatisation of infrastructure if National get elected.....

[Waxxa]

Why should people who have chosen to live up north have to pay a toll every day to go back and forth. Thats not fair. I'm surprised that Maha and Mom are so accepting to pay the toll!!

With the Harbour Bridge there was no fuel tax (specifically for roading projects) and a percentage of your vehicle rego wasnt used for roading projects so you can understand why a toll was imposed, which stopped once it was payed for.

No...the truckies can use the toll road which will be a lot more economical for them, us and the country/economy.

[nosebleed]

Why should people who have chosen to live up north have to pay a toll every day to go back and forth. Thats not fair...

They don't. For every Toll Road there must be a free alternative which in this case is the current SH1

[pyrocam]

http://www.voxy.co.nz/national/northern-gateway-toll-road-opening-date/5/7284


6 January 2009 - The NZ Transport Agency today announced that the SH1 Northern Gateway Toll Road will open on Sunday, 25 January, 2009, some two months ahead of schedule.


The toll tariffs on opening day will be $2 for cars and light commercial vehicles, and $4 for heavy vehicles. There were no additional charges for trailers or caravans. The toll for motorcycles was currently set at zero, but may be subject to review.

[Slyer]

Success! :D
Good thing all you guys wrote in letters to get this changed.
Oh wait...

So who's going to organise a ride for us to all go through the tunnels at once?

[fliplid]

The current $0 toll for bikes may be reviewed- as in "if you hammer along, we'll start charging you lot" or dependent on if it's actually worth charging?

[Slyer]

Maybe it takes photos of your numberplates from the front and this is the reason? :lol:
Downloading this video now:
http://www.landtransport.govt.nz/tollroad/index.html

[ManDownUnder]

Maybe it takes photos of your numberplates from the front and this is the reason? :lol:

Exactly - closely followed by someone sitting there pouring over the film working out the payback on billing bikes if they spend however much to install cameras to take photos from behind instead.

I can't see it ever happening personally - my money says it's free for life. 3 reasons:
1) The payback on extra camers would be such a long time
2) They can't really say "sorry bikes - you're not allowed on this road" - you have to go the long way
3) The logistics of extending the toll booth shutes so it's possible to actually take a photo of the bike plates, and then reconciling two images and billing each car only once (ignoring one of the images) would be aweful. Possible - but aweful!

... enjoy!

[Slyer]

Who wants to be the first to find out if you can get a speeding ticket from them?

[Mully]

Who wants to use the toll road (except maybe once to try it out and if I were commuting that way) on a bike?

Keep the horrible cars and trucks on the boring straight bit of motorway and gift the curvy roads back to motorcyclists.

Bliss.

[Slyer]

Exactly - closely followed by someone sitting there pouring over the film working out the payback on billing bikes if they spend however much to install cameras to take photos from behind instead.

I can't see it ever happening personally - my money says it's free for life. 3 reasons:
1) The payback on extra camers would be such a long time
2) They can't really say "sorry bikes - you're not allowed on this road" - you have to go the long way
3) The logistics of extending the toll booth shutes so it's possible to actually take a photo of the bike plates, and then reconciling two images and billing each car only once (ignoring one of the images) would be aweful. Possible - but aweful!

... enjoy!
Ah nope sorry, just watched the video. It shows photos being taken of both the front and rear numberplate.
I guess they really are just being nice to us!

[Mully]

Ah nope sorry, just watched the video. It shows photos being taken of both the front and rear numberplate.
I guess they really are just being nice to us!

Or they could be finally recognising that motorcyclists damage the roads less, and cause less congestion

[firefighter]

bugger, if they were going to have a cash lane, I was going to go through, stop, take off all my gear including helmet, lift up seat, take out wallet, realise no money in there, put back under seat, take $2 out of jacket pocket put it in the slot, put all my gear back on nice and slow like and then proceed on lol.

[Big Dave]

There was an article in the Sydney press recently that said some commuters are now paying $150 a week in tolls to get to work.

One of the Toll roads has also forced the private ownership cartel into bankruptcy because too may people have said 'f*** that' and don't use them.

[ManDownUnder]

I guess they really are just being nice to us!

Interesting - but I doubt it. There's a good reason they're not charging us... and it's not a sudden dose of "nice". Isn't this is the same crowd that have us ticketed for using bus lanes on motorways?

I'm still putting my money on a technical reason.

[Ixion]

Despite their high tech cameras I suspect that bikes would be hard to pickup.

We cannot be relied on to be central in the lane, our plates are often on an angle :whistle:, are at oddball heights and so on. Not to mention that we may not be going in a straight line when we go past the cameras.

I'm sure that they will have discussed the question of bikes at the planning stages. And, I suspect, concluded "Well, let's just charge them. Probably a fair percentage will evade the toll and get away with it, but that's still a small absolute number. Easier not to have exceptions". Then when we complained they decided "Oh well, in dollars terms they amount to bugger all. Let it go".

Nobody has mentioned trailers. The system relies on automated matching of plate numbers (read the plates as the go past, have the puter match those numbers with the numbers of people who paid , spit out a list of non matches). But surely a trailer will break it. The toll will be paid on the car but no toll will be paid on the trailer? Or do they charge a separate toll for the trailer? What about B trains, surely they must pay for the trailer?

I wonder how accurate this electronic matching of numbers will be anyway.

[ManDownUnder]

I wonder how accurate this electronic matching of numbers will be anyway.

Nothing a bit of white paint and black electrical tape can't bugger up eh?

[Tank]

I wonder how accurate this electronic matching of numbers will be anyway.

Its hugely accurate. They have used the same technology in London for years - first with the "Ring of Steel" around the city, and now with conjestion charging.

I'd bet that they are well, well covered.

[rickstv]

How about local livestock trucking companies who's plates are covered in crap and usually unreadable? This could be a loophole,just muddy our plates. Sorry officer, didn't wash the bike this week.

[Slyer]

They get a fine for not displaying number plate.

[Ixion]

Nothing a bit of white paint and black electrical tape can't bugger up eh?

No indeed. That would be illegal. whereas, a jacket or overtrousers bungied to the rear guard - well, if an errant sleeve or leg happens to fall down across the plate, well, the rider can hardly be blamed for that . And the beauty of it is , that at speed it will blow clear thus avoiding snakey attention.

[Ixion]

Its hugely accurate. They have used the same technology in London for years - first with the "Ring of Steel" around the city, and now with conjestion charging.

I'd bet that they are well, well covered.

With bikes though? They don't pay the congestion charge .

[Big Dave]

There has been a numberplate scanning scheme in operation is Aus for a decade. Checkpoints on Route 1 record the passing of heavy vehicles and if they show up at the next checkpoint before the legal requirements for sleep and rest have been met they send out the interceptors to check the log books and the fines are heavy.

It isn't used on passenger vehicles

[Slyer]

10,000 posts^^

[SeppoDave]

Despite their high tech cameras I suspect that bikes would be hard to pickup.

We cannot be relied on to be central in the lane, our plates are often on an angle :whistle:, are at oddball heights and so on. Not to mention that we may not be going in a straight line when we go past the cameras.

I'm sure that they will have discussed the question of bikes at the planning stages. And, I suspect, concluded "Well, let's just charge them. Probably a fair percentage will evade the toll and get away with it, but that's still a small absolute number. Easier not to have exceptions". Then when we complained they decided "Oh well, in dollars terms they amount to bugger all. Let it go".

Nobody has mentioned trailers. The system relies on automated matching of plate numbers (read the plates as the go past, have the puter match those numbers with the numbers of people who paid , spit out a list of non matches). But surely a trailer will break it. The toll will be paid on the car but no toll will be paid on the trailer? Or do they charge a separate toll for the trailer? What about B trains, surely they must pay for the trailer?

I wonder how accurate this electronic matching of numbers will be anyway.

1. As long as the plate is visible, the cameras pick up bikes just fine, no matter where in the lane the bike is. It was tested with bikes, cars, truck and trailers, in all kinds of configurations. Tailgating, crossing from one lane to another, etc. and the system is surprisingly accurate.

2. I'm baffled as well. It was a big shock when we found out that bikes wouldn't be charged. Up until the end of November, the signs were being made with motorcycles = $2.00 on them. It may have something to do with a similar policy in Tauranga.

3. Trailers attached to cars incur no additional fee. $2.00 for all cars regardless. Trucks are charged at $4.00 no matter if they are rigid or articulated or doubles.

4. Very accurate. The technology isn't new. If the computer can't decipher the number (which isn't often), a human operator looks at it.

You guys will have to try the new motorway at least once, it's pretty amazing to look at. After all, it's free!

Cheers!

DTY

[Tank]

With bikes though? They don't pay the congestion charge .

Indeed - what I was refering to was the technology to read the plate itself.

[Swoop]

Despite their high tech cameras I suspect that bikes would be hard to pickup.
I wonder how Kiwis will view this first foray into the world of "toll roads". We have lived with bridges... but roads?
I imagine a busy time for the bill-sender people.

[Slyer]

Well there is a massive bridge along that road so you could just that the toll is for the bridge.

[Howsie]

I went past the new road today and i must say i am looking forward to going through those tunnels, will probably drop it a gear or two just for good measure. Then once the novelty has worn off it will be great going over SH1 through all those twisties with minimal traffic.

Got caught behind an oversize truck with a bulldozer on the back on the very first hill heading north from Orewa, didnt get past it until the 2nd passing lane just before the tunnels. Most frustrating travelling at 20-30kmph through those windy bits.

Must get work to set up an account for that toll road for my trips up north...

[Hiflyer]

Must get work to set up an account for that toll road for my trips up north...

Meh im just gunna stop of for lunch at the motorway which they forgot about! :gob:

i doubt there will be minimal traffic on the old road tho

[Qkchk]

Ok, so the new toll road is opening on the 25th Jan.

Happened to go past it on Saturday (250cc Northern Ride) and they have some interesting signs up before the new stretch.

Motorcycles = $0.00
Cars = $2.00
Heavy Trucks = $4.00


So it seems the Northern Gateway has woken up to the reality of bikers covering plates or they have realised we do not warrant being charged $1 or 2.

This sign has been backed up by visiting the website (http://www.landtransport.govt.nz/tollroad/toll-tariff.html) and it seems all motorcyclists WILL NOT have to pay to use the new gateway! However, they have added: "The toll for motorcycles is currently set at zero but is subject to review."

[HungusMaximist]

Sweet, can't wait to try out the new tunnel when it opens up on the 25th!

Wicked that it's free for motorcycles!

[EJK]

Free for now! :)

[Sis]

Advert in the NZ Herald today on page A14 asking for our views on "whether motorcyclists should pay a toll to use the toll road, just like every other motorist." That is one loaded sentence.

Have your say - either phone 0800 40 20 20 or visit www.nzta.govt.nz/consultation

Seems ACC may have started something here!