Northern Gateway - motorbikes to pay $2 like a car [Archive]

PrincessBandit

17th January 2009, 14:36

See in the Herald today that motorbikes are to pay the same toll as a car, of $2. Thinking that bikes were supposed to be free I went on the official LTSA tollroad page and sure enough Motorbikes $0.00. Bad news is though that this web page was last updated 15/12/08 and there was a pesky little asterisk saying "although motorbikes are currently set at $0.00 this is subject to change".

Oh bring back the days of the Harbour Bridge toll (14 or 15 cents to go overseas to the Norf Shaw wasn't it.....?) ONLY KIDDING!

Blackshear

17th January 2009, 14:51

Gremlin

17th January 2009, 16:51

So... you're kidding about bringing back the days of Harbour Bridge tolls, or you're kidding about the thing you saw in the herald about Northern Gateway tolls...

I'm not exactly sure what this thread is about, but if its important, at least I have posted :laugh:

Jantar

17th January 2009, 16:59

Where exactly is this Northern gateway Toll road?

As a rider who passes through this area only every couple of years or so, will it save me any time compared to SH1?

Gremlin

17th January 2009, 17:04

Where exactly is this Northern gateway Toll road?

As a rider who passes through this area only every couple of years or so, will it save me any time compared to SH1?
Map:

<img src=http://www.landtransport.govt.nz/tollroad/gfx/map-dec08.gif>

Yes, it will. Its an extension to the northern motorway, which currently ends at Orewa, with SH1 going right through Orewa. During heavy traffic times, waiting time is measured in hours.

nico

17th January 2009, 17:11

:whocares: jaffas:whocares:

nosebleed

17th January 2009, 17:12

All the signs (1 week ago) list Bikes as $0.00.
There are about 3 - 4 HUUUUGE signs as you head (south) through Puhoi, all with the '$0.00'

rocketman1

17th January 2009, 18:02

Although I would rarely use this route, I fully agree with Transit (NZTA) or whoever runs the show that it should be free for motorbikes , scooters and cyclists ( if cyclists are allowed on it?)
If it was not free for motorbikes I would guess that for the reasons no other than the $2.00 fee + the alternative "old" route would be a much better ride for the motorcyclist.
Now having said that the old road probably presents quite a few more hazards to the motorcyclist than the new freeway. Especially in wet weather.
It would not take those who pay the ACC to figure out that probably one or two riders crashed a year on the old route would exceed all the revenue gained from all bikes riding on the toll road for about 5 years.
All that apart the govt should encourage the use of fuel efficient vehicles.

MadDuck

17th January 2009, 18:07

Local Rodney Times published a couple of weeks ago that bikes will be free.

There have been many accidents and one death that I can recall because from Waiwera to Orewa is double yellows and solid traffic in the summer. They felt it better to let the bikes go free to help avoid dangerous overtaking...or summit like that.

Elysium

17th January 2009, 18:10

:whocares: jaffas:whocares:

My thoughs too

MadDuck

17th January 2009, 18:30

:whocares: jaffas:whocares:

Now I think the new term is SOAP!

Ixion

17th January 2009, 19:02

I would not treat the Harold's off hand reference as definative . The official LandTransport website (http://www.landtransport.govt.nz/tollroad/toll-tariff.html) still specifies the tariff for bikes as $0.00

TOTO

17th January 2009, 19:04

The BIG SIGNS next to the tunnel say with BIG LETTERS : MOTORBIKES $0.00

Tank

17th January 2009, 19:42

nico

18th January 2009, 04:50

Now I think the new term is SOAP!

ahhhhw thats a newie whats it mean now?:laugh:

Mystic13

18th January 2009, 07:29

I'm betting the herald is wrong. Maybe the media with their bike theme at the moment were just doing a bit of wishful thinking.

I sent the journo an email to let him know of the error of his ways.

nosebleed

18th January 2009, 08:07

I went for a quick whizz on it last week. Cost me nothing - but was told trespass orders can become troublesome.

Decided to leave when asked.

oh - big signs both ends with the pic of a bike and $0.00.

I think theres also something about about going 'wees' in public. Not to mention all over their brand new road.
Still, nice to see the 'biker' image being represented.

Smorg

18th January 2009, 10:25

Even if it wasn't free why would you take the straight route if you are on a bike? Waiwera hill will become alot more fun with less cages.

firefighter

18th January 2009, 10:33

The BIG SIGNS next to the tunnel say with BIG LETTERS : MOTORBIKES $0.00

Exactly- and do you know what it would cost to replace those signs? probably upwards of $80000, no shit, my parents (now retired) started up a very very successful sign company which they have now sold (hence now retired) and to replace them would be a fucken shit load........and that's before they go out the door, you then have to pay the road workers, engineers, cherry pickers and other bullshit to put them back up......I'm pretty damn sure that if they were gonna charge us to use it they would have put the prices up on the original signage....

firefighter

18th January 2009, 10:36

My thoughs too

:whocares: jaffas:whocares:

oooohhhh I can answer that! People who will be using it....... :sleep:

nico

18th January 2009, 12:50

oooohhhh I can answer that! People who will be using it....... :sleep:

come on share the welth we need a new joke down here in the sunny cap

Max Preload

18th January 2009, 13:56

Now I think the new term is SOAP!

ahhhhw thats a newie whats it mean now?:laugh:

As usual, some acronym to do with the huge chips on many South Islander's shoulders, I expect.

roy.nz

19th January 2009, 14:22

Dont know if this has bee said before :Oops: im to lazy to search.

But any way, on my way home from two track days at Taupo i noticed that on the northern motorway towards Silverdale, they had removed the covers over all the new road signs and i was pretty pleased when i saw that motorbikes pay NOTHING :yes: !!!
Which i think is great, but im thinking the only reason they did that is because it'd cost them too much to set up a system to catch us :woohoo:

So yeah just thought i'd share that.
Peace :rockon:

Waxxa

19th January 2009, 15:24

In the weekend Herald it stated that m/bikes were going to be charged $2, the same as cars. WTF!

MadDuck

19th January 2009, 15:29

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=90508

blade1000

19th January 2009, 19:44

well have driven past there and all signs are up ie fees etc and they all say bikes dont pay a dime to use the new road , but if you are on a bike why would you want to use this road anyway

Ixion

19th January 2009, 20:08

Cos it's got a tunnel.

I want to know if the tunnel has smoke alarms. And if it does, can I take Petal through it and set them all off.

Howsie

19th January 2009, 20:12

Cos it's got a tunnel.

I want to know if the tunnel has smoke alarms. And if it does, can I take Petal through it and set them all off.

Can i ride ahead of you as you go through? :Punk:

TOTO

19th January 2009, 23:37

And I will be taking the Hooligan trough it...and even people in Gore will know we have a new tunnel :D

Bass

20th January 2009, 07:12

There was item in this morning's Herald correction column, saying they had made a fuck up and bikes were free.

vifferman

20th January 2009, 07:20

There was item in this morning's Herald correction column, saying they had made a fuck up and bikes were free.
I'd love to see them put it like that, instead of using weaselwords.

Big Dave

20th January 2009, 08:07

come on share the welth we need a new joke down here in the sunny cap

Walk outside. (if you can handle the banjo music):banana:

Max Preload

20th January 2009, 08:28

There was item in this morning's Herald correction column, saying they had made a fuck up and bikes were free.

Gee - a journalist gets it wrong - well, I never!

:Offtopic: Any idea if they're going to print an apology for not being unbiased in their 'reporting' of the Palestinian/Israeli war and start using facts instead of left-wing spin?

ManDownUnder

20th January 2009, 08:33

Walk outside. (if you can handle the banjo music):banana:

Dang - you hears it too?

CB ARGH

20th January 2009, 08:41

Well that's good to hear that it's free. I'll definately be taking a ride though it when it opens, will be amazing! :yes:

Tank

20th January 2009, 09:01

Dang - you hears it too?

Boy, you sure got a pretty mouth.

edit: actually my fav line from the movie is "Squeal like a pig boy"

90s

20th January 2009, 10:23

Even if it wasn't free why would you take the straight route if you are on a bike? Waiwera hill will become alot more fun with less cages.

This is a great route - twisty hills where big holden drivers finally learn that something just over half a litre capacity but weighing less than their cart sprung cut-down trucks has no chance.
I'll try the tunnel once for the novelty value, but I like to have an interesting ride and will stick to the old route and its amazing views thanks.

Tank

20th January 2009, 10:55

klingon

20th January 2009, 12:08

Exactly- and do you know what it would cost to replace those signs? probably upwards of $80000, no shit, etc etc...

Unfortunately for us, they have installed the easy-change type of sign where they can swap the numbers over at will :( But hopefully they will continue to think it's not worth the effort!

R6_kid

20th January 2009, 13:14

Unfortunately for us, they have installed the easy-change type of sign where they can swap the numbers over at will :( But hopefully they will continue to think it's not worth the effort!

C'mon love! I'm sure you can get creative with the placement of your number plate if need be!

PHATVW

20th January 2009, 13:30

I know the people who built this bridge and they've told me that it's free for motorbikes, and drove past it in the weekend, the signs said $0.00 for motorbikes... but then I suppose it is subject to change :dodge:

MadDuck

20th January 2009, 14:18

...and even people in Gore will know we have a new tunnel :D

Wonder how it would sound if I put the debaffled pipes back on the Harley :buggerd:

....is it toll free for tanks? I would have to try this many many times just to make sure the noise was just right

RC1

20th January 2009, 14:56

I know the people who built this bridge

isnt it a tunnel ??

swbarnett

20th January 2009, 15:47

isnt it a tunnel ??
Both. Bridge over a valley leading to a tunnel half way up the next hill. There's a good view of the bridge on the dirt road west from Waiwera.

sAsLEX

20th January 2009, 20:50

waiting time is measured in hours.

in a cage maybe...

roy.nz

21st January 2009, 05:14

Jsut an update for any biker who is going to use the new tolled section of SH1 from sunday.
For us on bikes its FREE :Punk: yip thats right FREE. I saw it coming home the other night, one of the new signs was open. Cagers $2 and trucks $4, i was going to use the twisty long way round bit if we had to pay but no payment means the quick way from now.

Peace out :laugh:

Grizzo

21st January 2009, 06:15

Dirty rotten scoundrels, bikers shouldnt have to pay for anything:bleh:

Nasty

21st January 2009, 06:19

McJim

21st January 2009, 06:36

Newspaper sales are down. Buy more Newspapers when the stories are ones you like. The Harold is your servant - if they only sell shitloads of papers when there's a nasty story then all they will print is nasty stories.

Buy a newspaper when you approve of the headline - this is the only way to get the newspapers to change their habit.

Blossom

21st January 2009, 06:39

Newspaper sales are down. Buy more Newspapers when the stories are ones you like.

I confess...:crybaby: I dont buy newspapers at all. Waste of paper. Get all my news online and on here (now thats scary) Only problem now is that I only have the free community paper to start the fire in winter. :eek5:

klingon

21st January 2009, 15:53

I confess...:crybaby: I dont buy newspapers at all. Waste of paper. Get all my news online and on here (now thats scary) Only problem now is that I only have the free community paper to start the fire in winter. :eek5:

Same principle applies online though - the advertising revenue is based on the number of clicks. Click on the good stories and they have an incentive to print more good stories etc etc.

90s

22nd January 2009, 12:28

I only have the free community paper to start the fire in winter. :eek5:

Ah, bless the Western Leader ...

MadDuck

23rd January 2009, 18:25

Rumour has it hand over is just after 1am Sunday morning. I will be asleep!

nosebleed

24th January 2009, 08:09

On the bright side:

We all know that police only patrol where they can catch speeders - so they are more likely to be patrolling on the new m/way extension than on the Waiwera hill - thus leaving it the perfect 'safe' route to ride home pissed after a few jugs at the Puhio tavern:beer:

P/T:calm:
Hmmm was thinking about this yesterday as i was driving North through Waiwera...

We all gotta remember that this stretch of road is 80k from Orewa to Puhoi. So its not gonna be too hard to be 30k (at 110) over the limit because it looks 'open road'.

Given that its cost effecient to place speed cameras on the new motorway it's actually likely that we'll see more patrols on the old road catching those that are enjoying the traffic free road.

nico

24th January 2009, 08:20

Walk outside. (if you can handle the banjo music):banana:

you do realise im in wellingtion not 6 fingerd banjo playing south island rite?

AllanB

24th January 2009, 08:29

Maha

24th January 2009, 08:34

Rumour has it hand over is just after 1am Sunday morning. I will be asleep!

And did I hear correctly that, the first day is 'free' to all users?
Good move if that is so, wouldn't want a 10km back of vehicals on the first day (being a busy weekend an all) that wouldn't look good now would it? ;)

Jantar

24th January 2009, 08:41

Nice to see something is free nowadays - but I don't see why there is a expectation that motorcycles should be free on the Northern TOLL Road. I expect a minimum payment of a $1 as cars are $2, trucks $4.

Must be a Jaffa thing - wanting the rest of NZ to pay their way everywhere.

Not just a Jafa thing, its reality at work. 30 something years ago when the Lytleton tunnel was tolled I used to take great delight in parking my bike, stripping off all my gear to get at that 10 cent coin in my trousers pocket for the toll, then putting all my gear back on again, while heaps of other traffic would be waiting in line for their chance to go through the tunnel.

The next rider would be about 15 vehicles back and do excatly the same. Our aim then was to get the tunnel toll free for motorbikes. Instead it became toll free for everyone.

discotex

24th January 2009, 08:48

Must be a Jaffa thing - wanting the rest of NZ to pay their way everywhere.

That's some funny shit :lol:

Auckland subsidises the rest of the country. You can hardly complain that we'd like some of OUR money back once in a while for some more motorways.

And why shouldn't bikes be free? Toll charging is effectively a congestion charge i.e. if you fill up the existing road you need more roads. Bikes have a tiny impact on road capacity so something like 25c would be a fair charge if you had to.

What I'd like to know is whether a campervan is considered a truck or a car.

Little Miss Trouble

24th January 2009, 09:17

What I'd like to know is whether a campervan is considered a truck or a car.

They'll be classed as cars since they're less than 3.5 tonne & don't require a heavy vehicle license

discotex

24th January 2009, 09:20

They'll be classed as cars since they're less than 3.5 tonne & don't require a heavy vehicle license

Fair enough. What about trikes? Will they be paying $2?

The signs are less than comprehensive haha

Little Miss Trouble

24th January 2009, 14:49

Fair enough. What about trikes? Will they be paying $2?

The signs are less than comprehensive haha

Hrm, could go either way.

Taken from the Land transport website:

As you approach the toll point, sensors will detect your vehicle. This then triggers the system to measure your vehicle’s dimensions. The vehicle dimensions are used to differentiate between a motorcycle, car, truck or bus, and assign the correct toll tariff.

Jizah

24th January 2009, 15:04

What would happen if you were riding 2 abreast?

slofox

24th January 2009, 15:07

Well it opens tomorrow so we will all find out pretty soon hey...

Little Miss Trouble

24th January 2009, 15:20

What would happen if you were riding 2 abreast?

Why would you be doing something silly like that?

MadDuck

24th January 2009, 17:43

And did I hear correctly that, the first day is 'free' to all users?

Now that would be telling and I could get shot for sharing too much information :Pokey:

Usarka

24th January 2009, 18:30

:whocares: jaffas:whocares:

My thoughs too

Perfect day to ride those passing lanes without too much other traffic :innocent:

Voltaire

25th January 2009, 11:16

Not to sound ungrateful....but at 9:00 this morning there was a 1 km queue for the nothbound tunnel.....welcome to Aucklands newest bottleneck.
The ride back on SH16 more than made up for it.
Lots of bikes out heading north.

EJK

25th January 2009, 11:20

:whocares: jaffas:whocares:

lol exactly. Petrol prices are going up too (fast!).

Bren

25th January 2009, 13:10

Walk outside. (if you can handle the banjo music):banana:

I resent that, since I live just outta Welly...

you do realise im in wellingtion not 6 fingerd banjo playing south island rite?
I resent that more....since most of my life was in the souf!!!! And I have 4 fingers on each hand....
...and one thumb on each hand

Auckland subsidises the rest of the country. You can hardly complain that we'd like some of OUR money back once in a while for some more motorways.

Ya rekon...??? And where does the majority of our money come from? Agriculture and such...Primary industries, not an overbloated, ugly as arse, excuse for a city!
New Zealand was grown by the agricultural workforce (and those buisnesses linked to agriculture), they are the ones that put the sweat and toil into this country! The aucklanders sipping on lattes and sitting in their swanky offices dont know what hard work is.
So who is subsidising who? :Pokey:

sunhuntin

25th January 2009, 13:20

I confess...:crybaby: I dont buy newspapers at all. Waste of paper. Get all my news online and on here (now thats scary) Only problem now is that I only have the free community paper to start the fire in winter. :eek5:

go around local servos and ask them to keep the newspapers they dont sell. we were always happy to keep papers and boxes aside for anyone who wanted them, dont see why others wouldnt be as courteous.

Morcs

25th January 2009, 13:33

Yes! No more having to pull over to let the traffic get a head start so we have clear road charging up that mean hill south of waiwera :)

discotex

25th January 2009, 13:55

Ya rekon...??? And where does the majority of our money come from? Agriculture and such...Primary industries, not an overbloated, ugly as arse, excuse for a city!
New Zealand was grown by the agricultural workforce (and those buisnesses linked to agriculture), they are the ones that put the sweat and toil into this country! The aucklanders sipping on lattes and sitting in their swanky offices dont know what hard work is.
So who is subsidising who? :Pokey:

Chip, shoulder, much?

The facts (http://www.stats.govt.nz/NR/rdonlyres/BE5F3426-1CB8-4450-84B3-B4587181907E/0/RegionalGDPTables.xls) speak for themselves.

Auckland generates more than 33% of GDP and manufacturing accounts for far more GDP than any other sector in almost all regions.

Would you like me to call the whaaambulance?

pyrocam

25th January 2009, 14:50

Awesome day for it. yeah there was a queue. but since when has that stopped a motorcycle?!?, longest carpark in New Zealand I reckon

Quailboy

25th January 2009, 15:01

It achieves sweet f**k all.

All its doing is moving the carpark further North as the tunnel is one lane. And can't be made 2 lane because trucks will smash into the curved roof.

NZ is still building things 20yrs too late.

I'm protesting by taking the old, twisty and fun route past Waiwera.

MacD

25th January 2009, 15:04

Awesome day for it. yeah there was a queue. but since when has that stopped a motorcycle?!?, longest carpark in New Zealand I reckon

Passed through there about 11am. The queue heading north started at Silverdale, and was still going when we turned off at Puhoi. The tunnel heading north is only single lane at present, so the two lanes merge just before entering it. Then just beyond the tunnel, the old SH1 merges in as well. Result, a cheap carpark by Auckland standards!

Longest lanespilt I've done in a while! ;)

RDJ

25th January 2009, 15:15

Auckland generates more than 33% of GDP and manufacturing accounts for far more GDP than any other sector in almost all regions.

Ah - one point. What is invoiced in Auckland is what is measured in the GDP. What is manufactured and produced outside of Auckland and sent to Auckland is not so measured. Just sayin'...

Personally I avoid Auckland when I can, not because of the people (just as mixed / good / not good as any other bunch of people) but because of the logisctics of moving around.

Bren

25th January 2009, 17:17

Chip, shoulder, much?

The facts (http://www.stats.govt.nz/NR/rdonlyres/BE5F3426-1CB8-4450-84B3-B4587181907E/0/RegionalGDPTables.xls) speak for themselves.

Auckland generates more than 33% of GDP and manufacturing accounts for far more GDP than any other sector in almost all regions.

Would you like me to call the whaaambulance?

Thats funny that....Auckland generating more than 33% of the GDP

Total population

1,303,068 people usually live in Auckland Region. This is an increase of 144,177 people, or 12.4 percent, since the 2001 Census.
Its population ranks 1st in size out of the 16 regions in New Zealand.

As you can see the population in Auckland was 1,303,068 in the 2006 census, which is just over a third of the total population in New Zealand (4,027,947), and you were quoting Auckland as producing a third of our GDP...so that means you folk are not subsidising anyone, in fact, if what RDJ stated before holds to be true, it means that the rest of the country is subsidising Auckland to an extent!

So let the Facts speak for themselves!

Another point I need to make is that Manufacturing may be the highest producing industry, but it needs the raw goods to start off with, whether it be wool or timber or whatever. Primary industry is the backbone of our country, it always has been and it always will be! Without our farmers and loggers and such we would be screwed!

Oh, one last point...I was born in Auckland and spent some of my life there....I had the sense to move away when I could!

SeppoDave

25th January 2009, 17:20

Here's what it looked like before the queues!

http://nz.youtube.com/watch?v=fYpuMoj0Qa0

200kph - Nice going!

Bren

25th January 2009, 17:23

Here's what it looked like before the queues!

http://nz.youtube.com/watch?v=fYpuMoj0Qa0

200kph - Nice going!

Okay, whats with the Bride at the end of that vid?

SeppoDave

25th January 2009, 17:42

Just bad editing. Recorded over some video of a model shoot. My wife works for a bridal mag.

Nice spotting though!

Bren

25th January 2009, 17:56

Just bad editing. Recorded over some video of a model shoot. My wife works for a bridal mag.

Nice spotting though!

okay....where is the rest of that bridal shot...be good to see the garters!

MadDuck

25th January 2009, 18:39

Well I hope that today is not an example of how to waste a shit load of money.

The tail was at Warworth and was going no where heading south this arvo unless you are on two wheels.

Jantar

25th January 2009, 18:50

Do I understand right? A two lane highway that merges into a single lane to go through the tunnel. That being the case there was no point in making it any wider than a single lane all the way.

piston broke

25th January 2009, 18:52

Well I hope that today is not an example of how to waste a shit load of money.

The tail was at Warworth and was going no where heading south this arvo unless you are on two wheels.

wait till tomorrow,it'll probably be somewhere near te hana.:crazy:

all they have done is move the bottleneck north a little.:bash:

good luck folks

Trumpess

25th January 2009, 18:55

Well I hope that today is not an example of how to waste a shit load of money.

The tail was at Warworth and was going no where heading south this arvo unless you are on two wheels.

You do realise that every Tom, Dick and Harry were out today having a taste of the new road seeing as the toll is free for the next couple of days.
Everybody having a go all at once. Of course it is going to cause traffic delays.

Surley it wont be like that all of the time?

Swoop

25th January 2009, 18:58

Jantar

25th January 2009, 19:01

No.
Two 3.5m wide traffic lanes (http://www.northerngateway.co.nz/index.php/content/johnstones_hill_tunnels).
That's not so bad then. On TVOne news they showed the two lanes merging to one before entering the tunnel. Is that just temporary?

Rockbuddy

25th January 2009, 19:03

Swoop

25th January 2009, 19:03

That's not so bad then. On TVOne news they showed the two lanes merging to one before entering the tunnel. Is that just temporary?
That is just the state funded propaganda network putting out more misleading information...

:rolleyes:

breakaway

25th January 2009, 19:04

I wanted to go check this out on the bike but looks like it's really really bad out there, heh

hayd3n

25th January 2009, 19:19

you do realise im in wellingtion not 6 fingerd banjo playing south island rite?

oiii i have 7 fingers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MadDuck

25th January 2009, 19:22

wait till tomorrow,it'll probably be somewhere near te hana.:crazy:

Would not surprise me one bit!

Surley it wont be like that all of the time?

I look forward to seeing the excuses if it does.

I wanted to go check this out on the bike but looks like it's really really bad out there, heh

On the bike is not a problem

Little Miss Trouble

25th January 2009, 19:34

I wanted to go check this out on the bike but looks like it's really really bad out there, heh

Go for it!

Maybe I'm just cruel but the near stand still traffic made it even more amusing

discotex

25th January 2009, 19:44

Thats funny that....Auckland generating more than 33% of the GDP

As you can see the population in Auckland was 1,303,068 in the 2006 census, which is just over a third of the total population in New Zealand (4,027,947), and you were quoting Auckland as producing a third of our GDP...so that means you folk are not subsidising anyone, in fact, if what RDJ stated before holds to be true, it means that the rest of the country is subsidising Auckland to an extent!

So let the Facts speak for themselves!

I quickly tried to find a link to the roading spend per region but couldn't. I'm sure it's FAR less than a third.

Ditto on almost all counts when it comes to tax spend.

Another point I need to make is that Manufacturing may be the highest producing industry, but it needs the raw goods to start off with, whether it be wool or timber or whatever. Primary industry is the backbone of our country, it always has been and it always will be! Without our farmers and loggers and such we would be screwed!

Ummmm ok. The reliance on primary industry is one reason this country is so poor.

Oh, one last point...I was born in Auckland and spent some of my life there....I had the sense to move away when I could!

:lol: I had the sense to move out of the tall poppy syndrome ridden south island. So many haters. If it's so shit hot to live outside Auckland why do a third of the population choose to live here?

Jantar

25th January 2009, 19:46

... If it's so shit hot to live outside Auckland why do a third of the population choose to live here? Why do two thirds choose not to? ;)

SeppoDave

25th January 2009, 19:49

So no one likes it?

SeppoDave

25th January 2009, 19:51

Or are you all just a bunch of conspiracy theorists?

discotex

25th January 2009, 19:59

Why do two thirds choose not to? ;)

Touche ;)

Surprised we haven't had someone in New Plymouth pipe up about winning that "best place to live in NZ" thing last year :whistle:

BuFfY

25th January 2009, 20:51

I thought it was awesome. We only went up that way because of the toll tunnel so I can understand how lots of other people did the same. Surely it will cut down the traffic congestion.
Although they had only one lane usable northbound it was wide enough to make it 2. They were sensible in making it one lane before the tunnel though, otherwise it would be three lanes merging into one after it.
Very enjoyable ride!!

MacD

25th January 2009, 20:57

Do I understand right? A two lane highway that merges into a single lane to go through the tunnel. That being the case there was no point in making it any wider than a single lane all the way.

The tunnels are dual lane width, but the north-going tunnel is marked up as a single lane at present. The merge occurs before entering the tunnel, as can be seen on the TVOne video (http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/queues-form-northern-gateway-2452652/video).

While there may have been a lot of sightseers out today, it will still back up on any holiday weekend, as at that point most traffic going north is trying to get at least to Warkworth before turning off SH1, and that is still single lane from just past the tunnels. The real benefit is in moving traffic out of Orewa and avoiding the Waiwera hill (for cars that is).

Ixion

25th January 2009, 21:14

While there may have been a lot of sightseers out today, it will still back up on any holiday weekend, as at that point most traffic going north is trying to get at least to Warkworth before turning off SH1, and that is still single lane from just past the tunnels. The real benefit is in moving traffic out of Orewa and avoiding the Waiwera hill (for cars that is).

The real point is, that now Mabel and Stan will take the toll road. Because they are stupid , and it's easier, and doesn't involve any of those horrid windy bits of road.

Which means, no Mabels and Stans on the old SH1. Huzzah

And: with a nice new high tech alternative to SH1, hopefully TPTB will stop putting bloody ads in the papers telling Mabel and Stan to take SH16 as an alternative

I really resent that. SH16 is OUR road. They have no business telling cagers to use it.

MacD

25th January 2009, 21:25

I really resent that. SH16 is OUR road. They have no business telling cagers to use it.

Fortunately, most of them still prefer to sit in the queue through the Dome Valley than risk the wild west route.

Ixion

25th January 2009, 21:32

True. But if the advertising had gone on, each time a few would summon the courage to venture into the Great Unknown. " After all, if the authorities are telling us to, maybe we should " And before y' know it, SH16 is Mabelled.

Now, I trust TPTB will shut up about SH16 and everyone except bikers will forget that it exists (well, the bit North of Kaucop , anyway). South of Kumeu is a lost cause., but doesn't much matter.

Pixie

26th January 2009, 07:49

And: with a nice new high tech alternative to SH1, hopefully TPTB will stop putting bloody ads in the papers telling Mabel and Stan to take SH16 as an alternative

I really resent that. SH16 is OUR road. They have no business telling cagers to use it.

16 has been as quiet as the grave :2thumbsup

swbarnett

26th January 2009, 07:55

Ya rekon...??? And where does the majority of our money come from? Agriculture and such...Primary industries, not an overbloated, ugly as arse, excuse for a city!
New Zealand was grown by the agricultural workforce (and those buisnesses linked to agriculture), they are the ones that put the sweat and toil into this country! The aucklanders sipping on lattes and sitting in their swanky offices dont know what hard work is.
So who is subsidising who? :Pokey:
The last figure that I had stated that 80% of the NZ GDP came out of
Auckland.

Agriculture is no longer New Zealand's no. 1 industry.

Edit: It seems my figure was somewhat inflated (or just old). Still, 33% is not to be sneezed at.

Jantar

26th January 2009, 07:57

The last figure that I had stated that 80% of the NZ GDP came out of
Auckland.

Agriculture is no longer New Zealand's no. 1 industry.

I heard it was 112% :zzzz:

Pixie

26th January 2009, 07:58

Not just a Jafa thing, its reality at work. 30 something years ago when the Lytleton tunnel was tolled I used to take great delight in parking my bike, stripping off all my gear to get at that 10 cent coin in my trousers pocket for the toll, then putting all my gear back on again, while heaps of other traffic would be waiting in line for their chance to go through the tunnel.

The next rider would be about 15 vehicles back and do excatly the same. Our aim then was to get the tunnel toll free for motorbikes. Instead it became toll free for everyone.

You paid the toll naked???!!!:shit:

swbarnett

26th January 2009, 09:17

I heard it was 112% :zzzz:
Read my edit. I've already admitted I got it wrong. Maybe it was tax take? I'll post back when I've got some more reliable stats.

Bren

27th January 2009, 05:06

The last figure that I had stated that 80% of the NZ GDP came out of
Auckland.

Agriculture is no longer New Zealand's no. 1 industry.

Edit: It seems my figure was somewhat inflated (or just old). Still, 33% is not to be sneezed at.

I never stated that it was our #1 industry, I stated that NZ was grown by it, yet still today if you took Agriculture etc out of the equation then NZ would be screwed!

swbarnett

27th January 2009, 16:44

I never stated that it was our #1 industry, I stated that NZ was grown by it, yet still today if you took Agriculture etc out of the equation then NZ would be screwed!
I quite agree. Take away any raw material and the follow-on industries are most definitely screwed. I'm not trying to belittle the primary producers. It's just that I don't appreciate Auckland being belittled either. It may be a great monstrosity at times but it's certainly not sponging off the rest of the country.

MarkH

3rd February 2009, 07:03

more_fasterer

3rd February 2009, 07:53

swbarnett

4th February 2009, 14:59

Wouldn't the tax take from petrol, registration, etc compared to the regional spend on roads be a more pertinent comparison than "agriculture is betterer!" "No manufacturing is more betterer!" "Go back to your latte & ciabatta Jaffa!" "Get off your sister Cletus" etc etc???????? :Playnice:
This was my thought. Afterall, roads are paid for from tax revenue, not GDP. The trouble is that I can't find any data on tax revenue by region.

dpex

10th February 2009, 08:39

Is there any substance to the rumour that bikers travel free on the new toll road up North?

jrandom

10th February 2009, 08:42

Yup (http://www.landtransport.govt.nz/tollroad/toll-tariff.html).

"The toll for motorcycles is currently set at zero but is subject to review."

Devil

10th February 2009, 08:44

That was awfully polite of you. Are you ill?

Dean

10th February 2009, 09:02

yes i agree

Finn

10th February 2009, 09:04

What makes me laugh about this Northern Gateway is all the PR bullshit surrounding it. We are meant to believe it was an engineering achievement equal to the great Chinese wall and the Eiffel Tower. Absolute bullpuckey! It's a little hole in a tiny mountain, cost 10 times more than it should and took 10 times longer to build than it should. And lets not forget the outcome... it doesn't make the trip any faster and can't handle holiday traffic. Quote Land Transport "Avoid the Northern Gateway this long weekend due to teething problems" How the fuck does a road have teething problems?

Only in NZ.

Dean

10th February 2009, 09:07

that sums up what i was going to say

Mom

10th February 2009, 09:19

There is a sign in Warkworth saying dont stop to pay your tolls, use the 0800 number. The TV news on Sunday night said motorists were advise NOT to use the Northern Gateway, but to use SH16 and the old Waiwera route heading south. HELLO???

We are advised not to use this wonderful feat of modern engineering at all?

I work a few hours at the i-site here in Warkworth, you would not credit the amount of people we get in there complaining about the toll payment system One woman yesterday attempted to use her credit card to pay the toll and the machine would not accept it. She rang the 0800 # to find out what was wrong to be told there was nothing wrong with their system. A friend came for a visit on Thursday last week, he stopped to pay at Dairy Flat, only one toll machine was working, it did not recognise his rego #. Absolute joke!

Silage

10th February 2009, 12:46

swbarnett

10th February 2009, 14:18

How the fuck does a road have teething problems?
Two reasons for problems:

1. The payment system is crap.

2. They stopped too soon. If they'd carried on to Warkworth maybe it would've helped.

MadDuck

15th February 2009, 19:05

Maha

16th February 2009, 15:10

Interesting yet unintentional test of the difference.

Coming back from Puhoi. I chose to go through the tunnells and on the toll road. Miss.L went the old way. So to get home I come off at Orewa and across Grand Drive.

I am sitting at the lights to turn right to Orewa and Miss.L rides past. My average speed was 110-120kms keeping with the flow of the traffic. No hold ups.

That is interesting.
I went down to Albany this morning on the bike, a car was keeping up with me from the hungry creek passing at about 140. Get to the tunnels and let him have the outside lane, which he takes and exits the tunnels doing possibly 130 plus. A cop was sitting northbound just out of the tunnels and he gave chase. I hadn't seen the gap in the lane divider until today. Car guy got a ticket ha ha ha !!!

Badger8

16th February 2009, 17:05

Is the reason that bikes are "currently" charged $0.00 because the number plate reading system reads the front of the vehicle and... Otherwise they might just get the local Mobil hire trailer.

If so, then they are not about to charge for bikes any time soon so back to the latte boys and girls.

According to their site they take both front and rear plate, and compare them to confirm. In the event they dont match, it goes through a human (or a close approximation thereof).
Came through it on sat, still free for bikes. Also only saw 1 vehicle on the whole thing, made for a swift carefree journey in the pouring rain :yes:

piston broke

16th February 2009, 17:08

That is interesting.
I went down to Albany this morning on the bike, a car was keeping up with me from the hungry creek passing at about 140. Get to the tunnels and let him have the outside lane, which he takes and exits the tunnels doing possibly 130 plus. A cop was sitting northbound just out of the tunnels and he gave chase. I hadn't seen the gap in the lane divider until today. Car guy got a ticket ha ha ha !!!

so you were'nt doin the mono vid this morning then?

Sis

10th November 2009, 10:55

Hiflyer

10th November 2009, 14:00

If it does change I'll go around, the waiting in line etc and hassle of paying online will be nullified by going around . . .

Swoop

10th November 2009, 14:53

Submission sent.

It will make sod-all difference though. This road has been designed to collect tolls for 35 YEARS.
They are borrowing against future income from this project... to make MORE projects that will (presumably) be tolled.

javawocky

10th November 2009, 15:49

Bad bad timing. We are already being raped by the ACC.

It won't effect me directly as I think the toll road is boring, so I always take go the old twisty way.

At the very least bikes should be charged $1 or less - less wheels - less weight - less traffic jams.

MarkH

10th November 2009, 16:26

Is it still costing them $2.70 to collect each toll?

discotex

10th November 2009, 16:54

Might I suggest if they do introduce a toll we take a public holiday as a time to remind them we're not ok with it....

I'd pay the toll once to fill the tunnel both ways with slow moving bikes :Punk:

discotex

10th November 2009, 17:01

Love the tick box that might as well say:

"Please ignore my submission because I ride a motorcycle"

NZTA have been anti-bikes and clearly they're trying to help their ACC brothers out.

It's claimed we made 25,000 bike trips so they're hardly going to make a dent in the debt repayments by charging bikes (the stated reason). Clearly it's being done to antagonise and divide the public (the real reason).

Mystic13

10th November 2009, 21:38

Borrowed from another forum. Submissions close Friday 27th November as to your views on paying a toll on the Northern Gateway.

The Toll Road website has been updated to link to further information for the Motorcycle Consultation.

http://www.nzta.govt.nz/consultation/motorcyclist-consultation/index.html

Any thoughts on submissions? Dejavu.

This is the Northern gateway for those that don't know.

http://www.landtransport.govt.nz/tollroad/ng-tollroad.html

MarkH

10th November 2009, 22:28

This whole toll thing is a big stupid con - more money from the tolls paid has gone to collecting the tolls than the cost of the road. They should never have gone with the inefficient revenue collecting method of charging tolls. With all the road tax paid in this country on fuel why are we paying again for using the roads? It seems like double dipping to me.

Apart from that - why the fuck does the AA get is such a tiz over motorbikes? So what if they get a free run over the toll road! It isn't like motorcycles contribute nearly as much in road wear as a car and cars can carry 4 or 5 people along that road for $2 - to pay the same to ride a bike seems wrong. But to charge a bike $1 is stupid because it costs more than $1 to collect the toll - the simplest solution is to just let bikes use the road for free!

PrincessBandit

11th November 2009, 06:44

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.
.........
Seems ACC may have started something here!

Submission sent.

It will make sod-all difference though. This road has been designed to collect tolls for 35 YEARS.
They are fleecing us against future claims from this project... to make MORE projects that will (presumably) be tolled.

Hmmmm, now that does sound strangely familiar......

Rockbuddy

11th November 2009, 06:55

see they tried to slip that one past while our attention is on the acc thing, lets all send in our comments en masse.
seems the powers in this country want to be rid of motorcycles for some strange reason

101bob

12th November 2009, 14:06

Tolling motorcycles on the Northern Gateway Toll Road

The NZ Transport Agency would like to hear your views on whether motorcyclists should pay a toll to use the Northern Gateway Toll Road, just like other motorists.

http://www.nzta.govt.nz/consultation/motorcyclist-consultation/index.html

This mean we pay $2 each way

Swoop

12th November 2009, 14:11

Already a few threads on this topic.
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=90508

Waxxa

12th November 2009, 14:49

I will never pay a toll on any road...

R6_kid

12th November 2009, 14:55

I will never pay a toll on any road...

You already do, every time you fill up with gas.

EJK

12th November 2009, 14:57

You already do, every time you fill up with gas.

Speaking of tax and petrol prices....

http://www.shell.com/home/content/nz-en/shell_for_motorists/fuels/pricing/fuelpricing_govt_taxes_1125.html

<img src="http://www-static.shell.com/static/nz-en/images/fuels/oecd_petrol_price_dec07.jpg"></img>

According to the AA website, we are paying ACC via fuel too! I didn't know that....

45.524 cents - National Land Transport Fund
9.90 cents - ACC Motor Vehicle Account
0.66 cents - Local Authorities Fuel Tax
0.045 cents - Petroleum or Engine Fuels Monitoring Levy

Mully

12th November 2009, 15:42

Who cares (apart from the sound in the tunnel)?

The toll road is straight and boring. Let the cars have it - bikes can keep the existing winding roads.

Unless you're in a particular hurry, in which case, obscure your plate.

bmwr690s

14th November 2009, 11:54

While clicking onto the <www.tollroad.govt.nz> web site to pay a car toll I was astounded to find a questionair about whether Bikers should have to pay a toll. As this site would generally only be accessed by car drivers the majority of replies would come from car owners and nothing from bikers. The LTSA could say they have consulted the public and the most likely outcome would be that the consensus of all the replies would say bikes should pay a toll as input from riders would be non existant or very very small. Another sneaky method of getting at Bikers:angry. The poll ends in a few days so have a look and give your opinion. :angry: :angry:

crisis

14th November 2009, 19:23

:gob:I see the nz Transport Agency is consulting on whether to charge motocycles to use the northern gateway toll road, first ACC now this. I guess its is pretty easy to avoid using this bit of road tho. Comments can be made at www.nzta.govt.nz

kwakaturbo

15th November 2009, 17:25

what the hells going on first the govermont wants to tax us to the max now i read that theres a discussion about us having to pay for the new toll road what next.:no:i think they must be using us as scape goats for some reason maybe well be paying for there next bonuses with all our extra funds we will have to pay,fuck the govrment

CalNZ

18th November 2009, 14:17

Hi all,

As if ACC levies were not enough, NZTA is now looking at (read: already decided to) charging motorcycles to use the Northern Gateway toll road.

http://www.nzta.govt.nz/consultation/motorcyclist-consultation/index.html

Personally I do not object to paying to access the tunnel (if I am going that way I would usually be in the car at any rate). I do, however, object to the way in which it is being handled and the same "divide and rule" tactics as ACC - separating "motorcyclists" from "regular motorists". Makes me feel a little like chopped liver considering (like most of us), I have a code 1 licence as well as my code 6! I am regular when in the car and completely odd/nuts/irregular (:Offtopic:) on the bike?

So, clearly the government has seen there are savings to be made riding a bike over driving a 4x4 and cannot face that there could be some money out there being spent by the populace instead of one them, so be prepared for those savings to be sucked up into every .govt agency that can find a way to take a shot at the Easy Targets!

Submissions on the Gateway charge close on November 27 - get yours in SOON!

AllanB

18th November 2009, 14:46

No reason at all why motorcycles should not pay - after all it is a TOLL road. You can debate the amount you have to pay (2 wheels half the car payment?) but the argument of inconvenience due to gear is irrelevant as you may prepay or pay online in arrears. And don't start the bikes are better for the enviroment crap - when's the last time you ever heard someone purchase a motorcycle for that reason?

Don't lets get too precious now, although some believe God rides a Harley, Joe Public will quickly drop any anti ACC support they have for us if we start expecting special treatment.

EgliHonda

18th November 2009, 14:54

Toll road?

What the hell is that? :bleh:

(Oh I love the southern roads)...

CalNZ

18th November 2009, 15:10

Hey, as I said, I do not object to paying (in fact my own submission is in favour of paying at a reasonable rate). What argument about inconvenience of gear? And the point was that bikes are cheaper to run than cars, not that anyone has bought one purely for environment reason - this post was about people getting their submissions in before it closes and about the way in which the consultation is being handled (on their webpage and in the papers) - specifically separating bikes from "regular" motorists - my point is precisely about not receiving "special treatment" or being singled out when on my bike rather than my car. The timing and wording is what I have issue with, not the requirement to pay (which appears inevitable, so why consult?)

No reason at all why motorcycles should not pay - after all it is a TOLL road. You can debate the amount you have to pay (2 wheels half the car payment?) but the argument of inconvenience due to gear is irrelevant as you may prepay or pay online in arrears. And don't start the bikes are better for the enviroment crap - when's the last time you ever heard someone purchase a motorcycle for that reason?

Don't lets get too precious now, although some believe God rides a Harley, Joe Public will quickly drop any anti ACC support they have for us if we start expecting special treatment.

Squiggles

18th November 2009, 15:26

(2 wheels half the car payment?)

Anything less than the car payment and they might start losing money on having us pay :laugh:

TRIUMPHSROCK675

18th November 2009, 15:46

i say who cares about paying or not paying for the toll road. the important thing is if you going that way that you stop at puhoi pub

CalNZ

18th November 2009, 18:01

:first: Just thought everyone should know about the submission process but as TR675 says - there is an attractive alternate route

i say who cares about paying or not paying for the toll road. the important thing is if you going that way that you stop at puhoi pub

Pixie

18th November 2009, 18:04

short-circuit

18th November 2009, 18:49

How are you all enjoying your new government so far?

Don't like taxation? Here's the alternative

outlawtorn

23rd November 2009, 13:51

Short notice I know, but get your thoughts in as soon as possible. The closing date for feedback is Friday 27 November 2009.

From the NZTA Website:

The NZ Transport Agency would like to hear your views on whether motorcyclists should pay a toll to use the toll road, just like other motorists.

Everyone who uses the toll road enjoys the benefits of the straighter, quicker route. Motorcyclists equally benefit from the shorter travel time, safer motorway and fuel cost savings.

Up until now, motorcyclists have not been charged to use New Zealand’s first fully electronic toll road. However, the NZTA is considering whether it will be fairer for everyone if a toll is charged to motorcyclists when they use the road as well. The toll would likely be the same as for other motorists. This is currently set at $2 each way.

We are now consulting with the public on whether motorcyclists should be charged a toll if they choose to use the toll road. After considering the results from this consultation, the NZTA will make a decision on whether to toll motorcycles and if so, what would be an appropriate toll. This decision is expected to be made early next year.

Anyone can make a submission, whether you are a motorcyclist, a regular motorist, or just someone who wishes to contribute to this consultation.

Go to their website now and put in your submission! (http://www.nzta.govt.nz/consultation/motorcyclist-consultation/index.html)

Ixion

23rd November 2009, 13:58

Yep. Is on list

The original post about this, a couple of years ago was

Hi
If you have been watching the LTSA were going to charge bike $2 to use the the new motorway extention however about 2 years ago this was not the position so i challenged the turnaround in policy and they have now reversed the charge and it free! http://www.landtransport.govt.nz/tol...ll-tariff.html (http://www.landtransport.govt.nz/tollroad/toll-tariff.html)
it pays to attend public submissions and thanks to the ltsa for not reneageing on our agreement

By redstar. Does redstar (or anyone else) know anything about that "agreement"

And what arguments can we muster for going free

Take up less space
Less wear and tear
Environmentally positive
Safety (alternative route more dangerous for motorcycles, gosh, I wonder if ACC would support us ?)

Main one I think is simple. If trucks are charged more, motorcyclists in fairness should be charged less

And a $1 charge is not economically effective to collect. We'd be costing them money

MarkH

23rd November 2009, 14:38

Main one I think is simple. If trucks are charged more, motorcyclists in fairness should be charged less

And a $1 charge is not economically effective to collect. We'd be costing them money

This seems fair - why don't they become so efficient at collecting tolls that they can do it at a cost of 20c or less for each toll collected, once they achieve that then they can get back to us with a $1 charge per motorcycle. I would have no problem with that!

yachtie10

23rd November 2009, 16:45

Yep. Is on list

Take up less space (dont see relevance)
Less wear and tear (very relevant, big argument for reduced price)
Environmentally positive (too some not sure if it will make a difference)
Safety (alternative route more dangerous for motorcycles, gosh, I wonder if ACC would support us ?)

ACC might think as we are 16 times more likely to have a crash in the tunnel we should pay more than cars

Main one I think is simple. If trucks are charged more, motorcyclists in fairness should be charged less (totally agree)

And a $1 charge is not economically effective to collect. We'd be costing them money absolutely

If they do put this in place I wont use the tunnel but if I did in the car I would pay individually for each one way journey by ringing their 0800 number from my cellphone. Apparently it costs nearly $3 that way

Dealer

23rd November 2009, 16:53

MarkH

23rd November 2009, 17:35

Sure it would be nice to use it for free, but our whole argument with ACCi s that we want to be classed the same as cars.
If thats the case, I would rather pay $2 to use the toll road than $800 to use my bike. Besides, the route through Waiwera is much funner anyhow.

How we are classed with ACC is not relevant to how we are tolled on a toll road. Half as many wheels, less than half the road wear - more than $1 is unjustifiable!

Swoop

23rd November 2009, 18:32

This "combined" thread appears to have conclusive evidence that the search button is broken...

CalNZ

24th November 2009, 09:06

Hi all, the new rate (if there is one) is not set in stone yet -

See http://www.nzta.govt.nz/consultation/index.html for more on submissions, and http://www.nzta.govt.nz/consultation/motorcyclist-consultation/index.html in particular on the Northern Gateway Toll for motorcycles... so you can still have your say until the end of this week whatever your opinion is on tolling (and how much) or not tolling!

Ixion

30th November 2009, 09:04

Harold did us a good write up
(http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10612450)

Bounce001

30th November 2009, 12:22

An excellent write up!

Loved your quote:

"Why should motorcyclists pay extra because motorists selfishly insisted on lugging two tonnes of unnecessary steel about with them?" :clap:

Brilliant :laugh

The Pastor

30th November 2009, 12:28

Bikes dont damage pavements. Cars do minor damage (if any) Trucks do 99% of the damage.

Ixion

21st December 2009, 10:48

Verbal submissions made. I was supposed to be on at 11:30 but I got there at 10:45 (I allowed half an hour for finding the place and didn't need it), and they heard me right away.

Very very uninterested. No questions, very much just doing it for appearances. That was a done deal from the start if there ever was one.

Complained about the ad "just like all other motorists". Repeated the points that we are not "just just like all other motorists " ; lighter less damaging less congesting etc. Which they already accept because otherwise they have no justification for charging $4 for trucks. Pointed out that bikers would almost always pay by cell phone, so if they charged $1 they would lose $1.70 on each transaction. And made the point that the coast road , for bikes, is pretty much as fast now as the toll road + time to pay the toll. Plus much more fun. And the safety bit

They just weren't interested in the slightest

outlawtorn

21st December 2009, 10:58

Man that sucks so much, but thank you Les for going there on our behalf and putting our case forward, let the bastards introduce a fee, it'll just give us more of a reason to go the fun alternate route.

Cheers
John

phred

22nd December 2009, 23:13

Anything less than the car payment and they might start losing money on having us pay :laugh:

They lose money at the car rate. Biggest fuck up ever built.

MarkH

24th April 2010, 15:06

Very very uninterested. No questions, very much just doing it for appearances. That was a done deal from the start if there ever was one.

I don't think they cared about my written submission either. I got the letter today thanking me for it and saying that they will charge $2 from mid-2010.

To paraphrase the letter:
Thank you & fuck you!

They lose money at the car rate. Biggest fuck up ever built.

If they still lose money on the car rate then they also will lose money on the bike rate. Or at best people pay $2 and a small amount of that will go to pay for the road.

MaxB

24th April 2010, 15:22

If I won Lotto I would buy a truck and charge bikes a dollar to let them load their bikes on and drive past the cameras just so the robbing bastards would get not a cent of bikers money.

Hell if I won enough I'd do it for free.

cheesemethod

26th April 2010, 02:24

Their cameras are gonna have a pretty hard time reading your plate if the bike is at 12 o clock when you go through the arch. Just a suggestion :yes:

Swoop

26th April 2010, 09:02

Their cameras are gonna have a pretty hard time reading your plate if the bike is at 12 o clock when you go through the arch. Just a suggestion :yes:
Just hook your boot around and cover the plate (if fitted...). Done.

Maha

26th April 2010, 15:17

I don't think they cared about my written submission either. I got the letter today thanking me for it and saying that they will charge $2 from mid-2010.

To paraphrase the letter:
Thank you & fuck you!

Interesting, I got a call earlier from Radio New Zealand asking me about my thoughts on the Toll Road.
I was busy at the time and didn't quite get what she was on about?
Told her ring Les Mason (answer your phone Les!)
So have they set a date to charge bikes?

The about 1/2 hour after that, a lady rang me about a meeting tomorrow, where they will pay me $60 for my time (one hour) if I attend, I have work so can attend. Its at Midday here in Warkworth at the Motel by the lights on SH1. The meeting is about the Toll road.
They will pay you $60 for one hour!

Squiggles

26th April 2010, 15:46

They will pay ypu $60 for one hour!

Sounds good to me...

Maha

26th April 2010, 15:50

Sounds good to me...

I have to text her later and let her know if I can make or not. If I have no work for tomorrow I will go and see what the story is.
And collect the $60....

Ixion

26th April 2010, 16:04

I talked to about 4 or 5 media orgs today about it. They all want to know if we are "going to do anything". One even suggested blocking the tunnels .

So, are we?

Mom

26th April 2010, 16:11

I talked to about 4 or 5 media orgs today about it. They all want to know if we are "going to do anything". One even suggested blocking the tunnels .

So, are we?

Well I for one am up to my eyeballs protesting ACC levies. There is an alternative route if you really dont want to pay the man.

Bodir

26th April 2010, 16:22

Seriously?????? What do you gain by taking it? Less fun, but also less time. The government will realize that we are not going through that section and that people will complain about those bikers on the free road. It'll regulate itself faster without us doing something radical.

MarkH

26th April 2010, 16:33

So have they set a date to charge bikes?

Not that I am aware of - the letter I got said they will be charging from mid-2010 so at some point in a couple of months or so they will be charging, but no exact date has been given yet.

My guess is 1-July onwards - but I just pulled that out of my arse, so take it with a grain of salt.

nosebleed

26th April 2010, 16:34

I talked to about 4 or 5 media orgs today about it. They all want to know if we are "going to do anything". One even suggested blocking the tunnels .

So, are we?

To what end?

Fighting for our "right" to free use of a toll road. I'd hazard a guess that the number of bikers that use it now is quite small, and that most bikes that head north are using the free road option(s).

Fighting this would alienate further an already anti-bike population right at a time where we are trying to garner their support on the ACC issue.

A better form of protest (if you feel passionately about it) is to boycott the road and refuse the services of those who support the charge. Eg. AA.

Maha

26th April 2010, 16:51

Not that I am aware of - the letter I got said they will be charging from mid-2010 so at some point in a couple of months or so they will be charging, but no exact date has been given yet.

My guess is 1-July onwards - but I just pulled that out of my arse, so take it with a grain of salt.

Your arse with a grain of salt?.....:mellow:

To what end?

Fighting for our "right" to free use of a toll road. I'd hazard a guess that the number of bikers that use it now is quite small, and that most bikes that head north are using the free road option(s).

Fighting this would alienate further an already anti-bike population right at a time where we are trying to garner their support on the ACC issue.

A better form of protest (if you feel passionately about it) is to boycott the road and refuse the services of those who support the charge. Eg. AA.

Yes indeed, on all three sentences.

MarkH

26th April 2010, 16:58

Your arse with a grain of salt?.....:mellow:

If that's the way you read it then that says more about you than it does about me. :shit:

chasio

26th April 2010, 19:15

To what end?

Fighting for our "right" to free use of a toll road. I'd hazard a guess that the number of bikers that use it now is quite small, and that most bikes that head north are using the free road option(s).

Fighting this would alienate further an already anti-bike population right at a time where we are trying to garner their support on the ACC issue.

A better form of protest (if you feel passionately about it) is to boycott the road and refuse the services of those who support the charge. Eg. AA.

I reckon you're bang on the money (as it were) there. Let's concentrate our firepower on the front we care the most about and ride around the bloody thing.

And before anyone looks at my sig and calls me out, this is certainly not apathy on my part!

MarkH

26th April 2010, 19:43

Personally, I find it annoying that they just went ahead and declared that bikes should pay just as much as cars - almost every car travelling on that road weighs well over 4 x as much as almost every bike and has twice as many wheels - bikes certainly should get a cheaper price.

However I generally would just take the more fun route - unless I was in a desperate hurry. If I am going to put an effort into protesting anything it would definitely be better to protest the ACC levy. I would only head north a handful of times per year and mostly use the twistier roads - I can't see myself spending $10 in one year on the Northern Gateway Tolls.

So I guess I'll just take note that the road will soon be $2 even on a bike and factor that into my choice of route. I really can't waste time protesting EVERYTHING that I disagree with. I'll try to make the ACC protest ride on Saturday though.

peasea

26th April 2010, 20:34

However I generally would just take the more fun route .

That's right; you have a choice (although I'd say grumbling about two bucks is pretty sad unless you use the road on a daily basis) and with the opening of the motorway the traffic on the coast road has dropped significantly, has it not? A trip to the Puhoi should always include some twisties.

Mom

26th April 2010, 20:53

If that's the way you read it then that says more about you than it does about me. :shit:

He rides a Honda, what more can be said :dodge:

Squiggles

27th April 2010, 09:19

I'd hazard a guess that the number of bikers that use it now is quite small

From Jan-June 2009 it was 25,000 bikes vs 1,769,000 cars
http://www.tollroad.govt.nz/Content/Downloads/operating-report-2009.pdf
(Funny thing is they forecast that there'd be 36,000 unidentifiable vehicles and expected only 24,000 of us)

The consultation probably ate up the next two years tolls for bikes...

Waxxa

27th April 2010, 10:15

From Jan-June 2009 it was 25,000 bikes vs 1,769,000 cars
http://www.tollroad.govt.nz/Content/Downloads/operating-report-2009.pdf
(Funny thing is they forecast that there'd be 36,000 unidentifiable vehicles and expected only 24,000 of us)

The consultation probably ate up the next two years tolls for bikes...

On those figures, 50 000 bikes a year versus 3.4 million cars, why bother charging bikes at all. What's the figure to collect the toll? something like $1.60 approx? so .40 cents goes to paying off the road itself, $20 000 revenue off 50 000 bikes, pathetic!

Ixion

27th April 2010, 10:35

It set the precedent though. So if new toll roads are establsihed (which may not so easily or pleasantly be pypassed) bikes will be expected to pay the same as cars.

bogan

27th April 2010, 11:21

are there any other toll roads planning on charging bikers? if this one is a test case perhaps make it fail as horribly as possible. haha, just noticed the tag, make that happen!

MarkH

27th April 2010, 12:51

What's the figure to collect the toll? something like $1.60 approx? so .40 cents goes to paying off the road itself

That's actually the part I have the most problem with, that there is a toll at all!

They say the toll is to pay for the road, but a fair amount of the toll is collected to cover the cost of collecting the toll - that is fuckin' stupid IMO! We already pay road tax every time we buy petrol, why can't road tax pay for roads? Why build a new road and then have a bunch of motorists decide to use the old road because they don't want to pay a toll, this seems silly!

Devil

27th April 2010, 12:53

It set the precedent though. So if new toll roads are establsihed (which may not so easily or pleasantly be pypassed) bikes will be expected to pay the same as cars.

This is my problem with it - the precedent.

Max Preload

27th April 2010, 13:27

I talked to about 4 or 5 media orgs today about it. They all want to know if we are "going to do anything". One even suggested blocking the tunnels .

So, are we?

Of course we are! We're going to grizzle and moan for a bit then accept it! It's the Kiwi way!

Wannabiker

27th April 2010, 13:49

Rather than blocking the tunnels, which could be seen as a nuisance obstruction, a better idea would be to turn up at that BP servo where the toll machines are and form a large que to pay for tolls...it is a nightmare at the best of times....imagine a group of 100 bikers queing up to pay tolls......and pay by eftpos just to make the process longer. It could be a game to see how far you can make the other cagers que out the door.....

Squiggles

27th April 2010, 14:31

chasio

27th April 2010, 16:02

You could always pay by phone... costs more than the $2 iirc

That is a most excellent suggestion. Then the precedent set will be "make bikes pay tolls, cost yourself money".

I'm sure it is deliberate to introduce it as the ACC levies are also being hiked but hey, that's good political tactics on their part. I don't like the tactics and loathe the AA for backing the toll, but fattening up and selling off the ACC is a much bigger issue in my view. So I intend to focus on that.

But I will be sure to pay by phone if I ever use the damned thing.

Mom

27th April 2010, 16:40

MarkH

27th April 2010, 17:00

I prefer the boycott option - I don't know if anyone would care if less than 5,000 bikes a year used the toll road, but that is what I would like to see. They say we benefit and should therefore pay, we should show that we don't benefit as much as cars and are therefore not willing to pay as much as cars pay.

Wannabiker

27th April 2010, 17:00

I have only been through there once....and I cant think why you would want to take a bike along there if there is an alternate route that is scenic and twisty. By the time we had qued to pay the tolls (at the machine that wasnt working), we could have most likely gone the longer route in a shorter time.

bluebird

27th April 2010, 17:04

I will just cover my plate, or take the old road.

Mom

27th April 2010, 17:08

The old way is actually a nicer trip, the only problem is the 80k speed limit. It used to be a great hunting ground for plod too :yes: These days hopefully they are hitting the toll road, for better hunting prospects.

Madness

27th April 2010, 17:46

This sounds like another perfectly good reason to avoid Hazzard County to me.

Maha

27th April 2010, 18:06

Bikers shouldn't complain, 51,000 trips made to the end of Dec last year. 51,000!! Over 25,000 bikes chose to use the Toll rd last year.
Its a Toll rd. Thats the essence of a Toll Road aint it?User pays? All those that use the Toll road should pay. Motorbikes have had a run of it for a 18 months, now its time to pay, or, heres a thought, use another road.
Are bikes excluded from paying on the Tauranga Toll Road?

Toaster

27th April 2010, 18:09

Chooky

27th April 2010, 18:17

Are bikes excluded from paying on the Tauranga Toll Road?[/QUOTE]

Ha, a mate and I pulled up at the Tauranga toll booth, the unmanned one, and while we were trying to figure out what the fuck to do, a big Kenworth pulled up behind us....
The barrier arm went up, so we just fucked off real quick before the KW run over us..
Still dont know if we were supposed to pay or not...?

MarkH

28th April 2010, 14:41

Its a Toll rd. Thats the essence of a Toll Road aint it?User pays? All those that use the Toll road should pay

Yep - trucks pay $4, cars/vans pay $2 and bikes should pay $1.

But for some reason they have decided it was fair for bikes to pay as much as cars - personally I don't think that is true. The other problem is that it isn't worth charging $1 - it would cost more than $1 to collect it. But if they could work out a way to keep what you owe on record and ask that you pay once your bill got up to $10 then I would be happy to pay $1 per use of the road (if I chose to use the road at all). $2 is too much for a bike.

CalNZ

29th April 2010, 09:43

Yep - trucks pay $4, cars/vans pay $2 and bikes should pay $1.

But for some reason they have decided it was fair for bikes to pay as much as cars - personally I don't think that is true. The other problem is that it isn't worth charging $1 - it would cost more than $1 to collect it. But if they could work out a way to keep what you owe on record and ask that you pay once your bill got up to $10 then I would be happy to pay $1 per use of the road (if I chose to use the road at all). $2 is too much for a bike.

I do not object to paying but the letter received really smacked of what we knew all along - they had decided to implement the charge and the consultation process was simply done because they were told they had to - is was a foregone conclusion... so thanks for wasting our time asking for submissions! Apparently bikes pay the same price because the fee is used only to recover the cost to build the tunnel not for ongoing maintenance and will be removed when the loan is repaid (yeah, right...) and because bikes recevie the same benefits as cars when using the tunnel... And, if trailers are free [on cars] can bikers (legally) take two kayaks on top, a load behind and three to four passengers to divided the cost amongst... not EXACTLY the same benefit is it? ANd if the only benefit is the reduction in time (same for all vehicles) why are trucks penalised?

Swoop

29th April 2010, 09:46

the fee is used only to recover the cost to build the tunnel not for ongoing maintenance and will be removed when the loan is repaid...
There is a statement on their website that the fees will be in place for 35 years and will be used as the source to establish further toll roads in the future.

MarkH

29th April 2010, 10:02

ANd if the only benefit is the reduction in time (same for all vehicles) why are trucks penalised?

That is my main point exactly. If a car can use the road for less money than a truck then a bike should be able to use it for less money than a car/van. A van with 8 people in it towing a trailer with a boat on it pays $2, while a bike with 1 rider pays $2. Not only are more people benefiting for the $2 in the case of the van, but the van saves more time too, the bike can go through winding roads and up hills much quicker and easier than a van loaded with people and towing a boat.

Bikes get the same benefit? I don't think so!
Bikers are not slowed as much while using the old road and we actually get enjoyment from going through more corners. If more bikes take the old route and less use the tunnel that will prove that bikes really don't have as much to gain, not that anyone will change anything as a result.

http://www.nzta.govt.nz/consultation/motorcyclist-consultation/

Everyone who uses the toll road enjoys the benefits of the straighter, quicker route. Motorcyclists equally benefit from the shorter travel time, safer motorway and fuel cost savings.

Motorcyclists may benefit, but not equally! We don't save as much fuel, because we don't use as much. We don't save as much time because we can go over hills and around corners quicker. As far as the safer motorway is concerned - if we really cared about safer we would sell our bikes and buy Volvos.

MarkH

29th April 2010, 10:08

There is a statement on their website that the fees will be in place for 35 years and will be used as the source to establish further toll roads in the future.

I'm having trouble finding that, can you give a link?

Swoop

29th April 2010, 11:53

I'm having trouble finding that, can you give a link?

Mentioned multiple times in this document.
http://www.tollroad.govt.nz/Content/Downloads/operating-report-2009.pdf
"we are well positioned to achieve our targets and meet our debt obligations over the 35-year period."

MarkH

29th April 2010, 15:13

Mentioned multiple times in this document.
http://www.tollroad.govt.nz/Content/Downloads/operating-report-2009.pdf
"we are well positioned to achieve our targets and meet our debt obligations over the 35-year period."

Thanks for that - some interesting things in there. I like the list of costs to collect the toll:
Web $0.14
Kiosk $0.35
Phone $2.70

So if motorcyclists were to set up prepaid accounts or pay by web a fee of $1 would not be unreasonable. Obviously they need to look at what can be done about phone payments.

The last time I headed north I went up via a different route, I did come back through the Northern Gateway because it was free & I had a slow puncture that I was nursing. In future I hope to take a different route pretty much every time.

Maha

29th April 2010, 15:19

I still really dont see that there is an issue to discuss here.
The options will be,
1...pay and use the toll road
2...go another way.

slofox

29th April 2010, 15:24

The only thing I liked about using the tunnel was cranking it on through said tunnel with a Two Bros can on...

Ferkletastic

29th April 2010, 15:27

I still really dont see that there is an issue to discuss here.
The options will be,
1...pay and use the toll road
2...go another way.

What he said. All this talk of protesting/blocking the tunnell etc is pretty silly. A biker using the tunnel gets exactly the same benefit (quicker trip etc) as any other road user, we've been lucky not to have to payso far but there's no clear entitlement to be excluded.

Pay or go the other way (which is a nicer ride anyways), and stop ya whining.

Meanwhile ACC continues to be slowly dismantled.

Maha

29th April 2010, 15:28

The only thing I liked about using the tunnel was cranking it on through said tunnel with a Two Bros can on...

The Neptune sings like a choirboy on steroids at times.....its worth paying for!

Maha

29th April 2010, 15:31

What he said. All this talk of protesting/blocking the tunnell etc is pretty silly. A biker using the tunnel gets exactly the same benefit (quicker trip etc) as any other road user, we've been lucky not to have to payso far but there's no clear entitlement to be excluded.

Pay or go the other way (which is a nicer ride anyways), and stop ya whining.

Meanwhile ACC continues to be slowly dismantled.

Have you not seen this?
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/121906-Auckland-City-Compass-protest-ride

Ferkletastic

29th April 2010, 15:42

Have you not seen this?
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/121906-Auckland-City-Compass-protest-ride

I have indeed. I wasn't meaning that nothings being done about ACC, just that that is a better thing to be raging against than a $2 toll.

I've been on some of the protest rides, I'm hoping to make this one too.

Maha

29th April 2010, 15:43

I have indeed. I wasn't meaning that nothings being done about ACC, just that that is a better thing to be raging against than a $2 toll.

I've been on some of the protest rides, I'm hoping to make this one too.

Yeah $2?...its a laughable matter really......

MarkH

29th April 2010, 15:46

I still really dont see that there is an issue to discuss here.
The options will be,
1...pay and use the toll road
2...go another way.

I can't have a whinge on a forum? Since when!

I know I will have to just use one of those 2 options and put up with this shit, as I mentioned I would have happily accepted a $1 and also have a choice of the same 2 options.

Have you not seen this?
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/121906-Auckland-City-Compass-protest-ride

I'll probably head south and join Caseye's group at BP Papakura - as far as I know I am free this Saturday to go for a ride and blast the Stebel a bit.

Maha

29th April 2010, 15:49

I'll probably head south and join Caseye's group at BP Papakura - as far as I know I am free this Saturday to go for a ride and blast the Stebel a bit.

The Stebel will be most welcome on Queens st.

Swoop

29th April 2010, 17:22

Yeah $2?...its a laughable matter really......
Quite so... however:
This is the first toll road in NZ and as such will be the testing ground for future tolling around the country. Simply rolling over and accepting this without a fight will show "the authorities" that we are an easy target.
Showing the populace that we do not contribute the same amount of wear and tear to the road as a 4-wheeled vehicle, yet are expected to pay the same, is important.

Otherwise people should not be surprised when "additional" charges get placed on the roading system.

I don't see a protest as necessary, but a strong message that "bikers object"...

Maha

29th April 2010, 17:32

Quite so... however:
This is the first toll road in NZ and as such will be the testing ground for future tolling around the country. Simply rolling over and accepting this without a fight will show "the authorities" that we are an easy target.
Showing the populace that we do not contribute the same amount of wear and tear to the road as a 4-wheeled vehicle, yet are expected to pay the same, is important.

Otherwise people should not be surprised when "additional" charges get placed on the roading system.

I don't see a protest as necessary, but a strong message that "bikers object"...

There is a Toll road in Tauranga.

Show your objection by organising a mass biker-a-thon the day before the changes are to made.
Just ride the toll road the for a few hours, back and forth.
I do hope I see some sort of 'action' by those who oppose this $2 levy.

Mom

29th April 2010, 17:49

I can't have a whinge on a forum? Since when!

I know I will have to just use one of those 2 options and put up with this shit, as I mentioned I would have happily accepted a $1 and also have a choice of the same 2 options.

I'll probably head south and join Caseye's group at BP Papakura - as far as I know I am free this Saturday to go for a ride and blast the Stebel a bit.

Ohhhhh your Stebel will be the berries in Queen Street :yes: Fantastic!

As far as the toll road is concerned, if you dont want to take the long way then you will have to pay. I dont think the $2 is fair, and I think it setsa bad precedent too, but hey my response is simple, pay the toll by phone every time. It costs more to collect than the toll itself. I would happily support some sort of protest, but I dont want to be the organiser. Maybe someone else will step up for this one. Make sure you say Hi on Saturday :yes:

pyrocam

1st May 2010, 13:02

just got my letter in the post, least they were nice enough to warn everyone

Qkchk

3rd May 2010, 17:26

just got my letter in the post, least they were nice enough to warn everyone
Ditto.

Wouldn't be so annoying if they only charged $1 and not $2 like a car............. not that I use it often anyway.

MarkH

3rd May 2010, 18:02

Wouldn't be so annoying if they only charged $1 and not $2 like a car.............

And much more fair IMO. I think that if they were worried about the money they would be better off doing something about the payments by phone - maybe tell motorists that it costs them too much and if people insist on paying by that method then unfortunately the fee will be $2 dearer to cover the cost. i.e. return trip would be $2 twice = $4 by internet/prepay account/kiosk or $4+$2=$6 by phone.

Imagine how long this road would take to be paid off if everyone paid their $2 by phone with the $2.70 cost to the morons for every transaction!

CookMySock

3rd May 2010, 18:39

We could all pay at exactly the same time and stuff their phone system up. :lol:

Steve

Maha

3rd May 2010, 18:46

Does anyone remember the Harbour Bridge when it was tolled?
Was that an issue at all?
Were bikes free during those years?
If not, what the hell did they do about it?
Did they go the long way?
Or did they pay?

Here is a suggestion I made earlier but it was overlooked. If you dont agree with something, do something about it.

Show your objection by organising a mass biker-a-thon the day before the changes are to made.
Just ride the toll road the for a few hours, back and forth.
I do hope I see some sort of 'action' by those who oppose this $2 levy.

hospitalfood

3rd May 2010, 18:49

I got my letter today, and I think it is shit !

" dear hospitalfood, just a quick note to let you know next time you use the toll road we will slip it in ya"

Laava

3rd May 2010, 18:50

No it wasn't free for bikes. I remember being waved thru in the rain cos I was fumbling thru my rain gears to get change.

Me personally, I will have a revolving plate with a politicians number on the camera side. Either that or NEDWN!

hospitalfood

3rd May 2010, 18:51

Here is a suggestion I made earlier but it was overlooked. If you dont agree with something, do something about it.

Show your objection by organising a mass biker-a-thon the day before the changes are to made.
Just ride the toll road the for a few hours, back and forth.
I do hope I see some sort of 'action' by those who oppose this $2 levy.

Or you could resort to urban warfare, it would be very easy to to expensive damage all manner of things along that road. when the cost outweighs the benefit they will stop charging bikes.

Maha

3rd May 2010, 18:53

Maha

3rd May 2010, 18:57

Or you could resort to urban warfare, it would be very easy to to expensive damage all manner of things along that road. when the cost outweighs the benefit they will stop charging bikes.

I hear no evil/Speak no evil/See no evil....
But support any movement when it comes to getting one over for the little guy Adam.

hospitalfood

3rd May 2010, 19:09

you calling me short......

Mom

3rd May 2010, 19:12

Interesting comment made to me today, and one I am happy to run with in a large way. How come bikes are treated the same as cars by this government agency? Same benefits same charges. But another one, ACC, single bikes out as being different, we pay more. Seems there is a bit of inequality here by big bruva.

Hmmmmmm.

duckonin

3rd May 2010, 19:13

Answer to your question = no bikes do not pay on the Tauranga toll road...

CookMySock

3rd May 2010, 20:57

How come bikes are treated the same as cars by this government agency?You already know the answer to this. It's not about equality. It's about maximising revenue.

Steve

CookMySock

3rd May 2010, 21:00

I went for a quick whizz on it last week. Cost me nothing - but was told trespass orders can become troublesome.You took a whizz on the motorway? :blink:

That's a good idea. Lets all go up there and whizz on it. :Punk:

Steve

MarkH

3rd May 2010, 21:04

You already know the answer to this. It's not about equality. It's about maximising revenue.

Steve

That is why right here, right now I am calling for ALL bikers to boycott the toll road from the day bikes are charged to use it! No revenue from us!!!

CookMySock

3rd May 2010, 21:21

That is why right here, right now I am calling for ALL bikers to boycott the toll road from the day bikes are charged to use it! No revenue from us!!!That won't work. Too many bikers will respond to their fears and pay up - scared of the legal system.

Use what we have so far ; take 5 mins to find your money, all pay by phone at the same time, and everything else you can think of.

Steve

p.dath

3rd May 2010, 21:23

That is why right here, right now I am calling for ALL bikers to boycott the toll road from the day bikes are charged to use it! No revenue from us!!!

You do realise they are getting no revenue from us at the moment, so the effect will be ... nothing.

Mom

3rd May 2010, 21:46

That is why right here, right now I am calling for ALL bikers to boycott the toll road from the day bikes are charged to use it! No revenue from us!!!

I agree with you no money from us, but how about this for a sneaky twist. Use the toll road, and stop to make a phone call to pay the toll one way. Costs $2 on credit card. Travel back and do the same thing, another $2 on your credit card. The girls that take the calls are actually really nice and it is a quick and easy process to pay by phone. The best bit is...

It costs them $2.70 to collect that $2 toll. So for every return trip a biker makes that pays for each trip by phone, it actually costs $1.40 for them to process the payments. Simple maths will surely prevail, I doubt common sense will :D

The Pastor

3rd May 2010, 22:15

always carry a role of duct tape when using the toll, and just hope no cop is out and about :)

MadDuck

3rd May 2010, 22:18

Simple maths will surely prevail, I doubt common sense will :D

Yep got my letter today...I never use the stupid toll road. So how much did the dumbarses spend sending out letters to what appears to be all registered bikes in the Auckland Region? They are already behind in their revenue gathering just by doing that.

Maha

3rd May 2010, 22:34

That is why right here, right now I am calling for ALL bikers to boycott the toll road from the day bikes are charged to use it! No revenue from us!!!

That'll be all Kiwibikers, you do realise that over 25,000 motorcycles used the toll to the end of December last year?
Thats over 51,000 trips were made.
Only a small percentage are bikers are on this forum.

aprilia_RS250

3rd May 2010, 22:43

I opened the letter today and all that it really told me was to pop the front wheel up nice and high when approaching the cameras.

MarkH

4th May 2010, 00:50

That won't work. Too many bikers will respond to their fears and pay up - scared of the legal system

Ummm, boycott the toll road = don't use that road.

They say we benefit equally, but if after 1 year of tolling bikes there are very few bikes using the road that will send a message that we don't see that we benefit as much as they claim and if forced to pay as much as cars then we just wont use the road.

I intend to use another route whenever possible, I urge all other bikers to do the same.