The Minister of Transport and Mining, Lester “Mike” Henry, has received an application for an increase in the toll rates for users of the North South Highway between Caymanas Estate in St. Catherine and Mamee Bay in St Ann. 

This is in keeping with the provisions of the Concession Agreement that was signed between the then Government and the Developers of the highway. The new rates could become effective on September 3, 2016. Minister Henry says the request for an increase at this time is partly driven by the CPI, slippage in the value of the Jamaican dollar, and the fact that the projected traffic volume has not materialized.

According to Minister Henry, the proposed rates reflect the maximum that can be charged at this time and provide an opportunity to continue dialogue with the developers. He says, he is pursuing a joint approach, which is needed to resolve some of the developing issues as the operation of the toll road unfolds. 

These include access to security cameras, the timely repair of the landslip near Treadways and breaches of the security fence near some communities. He met earlier today with the police high command and was given the assurance by DCP Clifford Blake that the police will be given additional vehicles and personnel to resolve the issues raised. 

Minister Henry says these issues provide a strong basis for negotiations of rates which are affordable to road users, and he will continue to seek the very best for them. Minister Henry is encouraging the motoring public to utilize the time given to provide feedback to the proposed rates, as this could impact the final rates. The proposed rates are to be published in the newspapers on Thursday and the public is given seven days to provide their feedback.