Northern Gateway Toll Road.

[Maha]

Motorbikes were always going to end up paying on the Toll rd.
When it opened, and the signs went up explaining payment etc, at the very top was a picture of a bike and the amount to pay $0.00
All they have to do now is replace the 0 with a 2.

[Swoop]

But it is worth noting that someone who DOES use it (eg someone who commutes every day by bike - is there anyone such left but me?) might care. Because the extra cost actually makes the ACC levy hike seem small biscuits.

It also sends a signal to "the authorities" that charging a toll for bikers can be done. A nasty precedent for future areas that will attract a charge/toll system (bridges, roads, etc).

[RiderInBlack]

Use it every time I have somewhere important ta get to South of Dorkland as the quickest way ta get me there. As a Norf Rider, I have ta pass through Dorkland ta get to anywhere else. Would happy pay a toll that meant I could by-pass Dorkland all together. Sadly there isn't one. As for this Toll road they can get f*cked. Had they made it $1 for bikes then ok, but same as cars, get knotted. They have tried this sort of thing in other Countries, but have not got away with it, because the Riders there have not stood for it.
Just one more Government group screwing Bikes because we are too weak as a group to have a strong enough voice. Think I'll just start carrying Vaseline when I'm riding, so it doesn't hurt as much when the next Government group decide to ream Riders.

[firefighter]

Just one more Government group screwing Bikes because we are too weak as a group to have a strong enough voice.Think I'll just start carrying Vaseline when I'm riding, so it doesn't hurt as much when the next Government group decide to ream Riders.

Good call. What's with all the fluffy "we do'nt condone this" and "do'nt be naughty snookums" shit going on? If we are so much seem as thugs.......and will be either way, we may as well fucken act like it.

It's only $2, but it's the principle of the thing. Yes there's always going to be more important shit going on, but what's wrong with getting a bit more aggressive when it comes to standing up for ourselves. None of the pre-lubed ass in the air and mouth open "lets try not cause any trouble just be noisy" tactics has worked.....surely changing tactics might be a good idea. Not exactly promoting a riot obviously, but a little bit of sabotage here and there could be interesting!

I completely condone and back anyone who glues up the slots in the machines! I think it's a stellar idea!

[nallac]

But it is worth noting that someone who DOES use it (eg someone who commutes every day by bike - is there anyone such left but me?) might care. Because the extra cost actually makes the ACC levy hike seem small biscuits.

Thers lots of us who commute to work daily on our bikes..well i wouldn't call it a commute more like a thrash.......

There are heaps of bike commuters (I'm one of them!) but seriously are there ANY that commute daily on the toll road?

a workmate commutes thru it everyday..well three days a week on our current shifts was doing it 5 days on our prevouis shifts.

I completely condone and back anyone who glues up the slots in the machines! I think it's a stellar idea!

Yip well said.....

[RiderInBlack]

Time ta fit the Flip Up Number Plate I think.

So what I really have ta say here is where is our "Voice" in all this? What is BRONZ done/doing? Every since the ACC/Nick's Myth issue I have joined BRONZ. Why because I thought with more members BRONZ might be a stronger Political Voice. I hope they have but I am yet to see real results of that. Know ya Guys & Girls have been working hard, but have those that you have been dealing with really listened to ya? How can the average rider like myself help BRONZ have a strong voice? If BRONZ is not interested in having a Stronger voice, is there a Group out there willing to Stand Up for Biker rights and not willing ta pussy foot with those aiming to diminish them?

[Ferkletastic]

Yeah it'll add up if you're commuting every day, the same way it adds up for cars and trucks. Again, why are bikes so special that we shouldn't have to pay?

We're not being singled out here, it's not a case of the big bad govt picking on poor lil bikers, we're just being made to pay for the same thing that car drivers have to pay for.

All this internet tough guy bullshit about gluing the slots (although I'm pretty sure Les was taking the piss with that one) etc is lame as hell.

[Ixion]

There's actually a very good reason why bikes shouldn't pay

Road tolls are not really to pay for the road (work out how long it would take at $2 minus collection costs).



They are actually a part of a recognised government strategy of road pricing, which in turn is part of a strategy of Travel Demand Management. (Google it)

This, in effect, says that we can't afford enough roads. So, the roads get congested . So, if we make using roads more expensive, then the demand will be reduced. Thus solving the congestion problem without the cost of new roads.

But- bikes don't contribute bugger all to the congestion. So why should we pay what is really a congestion tax, designed to mitigate the congestion we don't cause? Congestion is caused by cars and trucks. So cars and trucks should pay for it.

[Maha]

There's actually a very good reason why bikes shouldn't pay

Road tolls are not really to pay for the road (work out how long it would take at $2 minus collection costs).



They are actually a part of a recognised government strategy of road pricing, which in turn is part of a strategy of Travel Demand Management. (Google it)

This, in effect, says that we can't afford enough roads. So, the roads get congested . So, if we make using roads more expensive, then the demand will be reduced. Thus solving the congestion problem without the cost of new roads.

But- bikes don't contribute bugger all to the congestion. So why should we pay what is really a congestion tax, designed to mitigate the congestion we don't cause? Congestion is caused by cars and trucks. So cars and trucks should pay for it.

Correct, so use another route because the toll will be introduced and theres nothing we can do about it.

Figures say on average, 51,000 trips were made by bikes to Dec' 31st last year...so please, do the math.
On those figures alone, I would say bikes love the toll road and most will continue to use it.
A handful of KBers wont granted.

[firefighter]

Yeah it'll add up if you're commuting every day, the same way it adds up for cars and trucks. Again, why are bikes so special that we shouldn't have to pay?

You did'nt specifically mention my post, but i'll clarify my thoughts on it.

My problem is not that we have to pay, it's the fact that we have to pay the same as a car. We do'nt get the luxury of causing as much damage to the road, causing as much congestion. taking up as much space, or taking up as much parking space, in a nice warm comfy car whilst sipping a coffee........plus there's the inconvenience of the bike, being wind, rain and safety, carrying around your gear........ plus of course the conveniences you miss out on, yet we are expected to pay the same fee.....when we take up less space, weigh 1/10th of a car and are a solution to traffic woes....

Do'nt forget, motorcycles are actually a solution to traffic problems and all the issues that go along with it, and it would be damn nice if G'ment would support us a little bit, instead of descrimminating against us (ACC) and not giving us any encouragement or perks of being part of a solution.

Other countries actually support the use of motorbikes and make special provisions for bikes because they recognise the good aspects of it.

That is what my issue is, that we pay the same, but we are'nt the same. Just like you have to pay more for a trailer, or a truck, you should have to pay more for a car.

[munster]

Just make sure to pay by phone every time you use the toll road. It costs them $2.70 to process it apparently as per a document released by them. Kiosks cost 64 cents, and internet payments cost them 13 cents.

Great idea (and one I posted on NZHerald website when this was announced).

I reckon the protest ride should be rescheduled till after it comes into effect and then we all pay by mobile phone.

[chasio]

How's this as a variant protest and best of all it can be done by anyone, anytime. You don't even need to use the toll road and it's a free call.

After tolls start, just ring them up and say you used it a few days ago. They ask for your plate. You could tell them yours or make one up (but that would be fibbing and I don't condone fibbing). They say - no record of that plate. You say "My mistake, maybe I went the other way instead. I was pretty tired that day (or off my face on coke and getting head off a gymnast-turned-cheap hooker at the time / whatever you like). Sorry to trouble you. Bye!".

Cost to them: > $2.00
Cost to you: $0.00.

In fact we could even start ringing then up NOW, giving them the plate and being told there is no fee to pay, then saying "my mistake, I thought we had to pay these days. Bye!".

If they're too daft to be reading this thread it might even mess with their minds a bit, but surely they're all over it (evening numpties).

The number is 0800 40 20 20, open 8am to 6pm

What do you reckon?

Chasio

Edit: Adjusted the cost to them down from $2.70 as I relaised there will be no credit card handling fee to pay, just the free call plus call centre costs

[RiderInBlack]

Some bikes have their Plates mounted on the side instead of on the back. Is that Legal, and would the cameras be able to pick it up and read it well enough?

[eliot-ness]

Correct, so use another route because the toll will be introduced and theres nothing we can do about it..

It would seem that biker's, and car drivers, have missed an important statement to the effect that, due to lack of funding, the extention from Puhoi to Warkworth and beyond, the next stage of highway1 will most likely to be tolled. Now it may be correct that we have an alternative route for now, but that will soon change. How many commuters would driive or ride via Woodcocks and H16. I wuld suggest that the reason for adding the tolls to bikes is simply that it will become profitable when that comes about. It's unlikely that the cost will remain at $2 for a car for the whole distance so expect more price hikes when work starts.

[chasio]

I must have missed that memo. If that is done such that there is no reasonable alternative, I believe it won't only be bikers that will be up for some proper protest.