MEDIA RELEASE

23 January 2009

Toll-Free opening weekend for new motorway!

Motorists using the new Northern Gateway toll road, which opens this Sunday in time for the Auckland Anniversary holiday, will not have to pay any tolls over the weekend.

The announcement was made today by Transport Minister Stephen Joyce after discussions with Rodney District Council Mayor Penny Webster

Both Mr Joyce and Mrs Webster agreed that by not having tolls on Sunday and Monday would provide better traffic flows over the holiday weekend and give the opportunity for more motorists to experience the benefits of the new road.

"This is a sensible move by the Minster," Mrs Webster said.

"It will give motorists an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the new road and also minimise any traffic disruptions from people not being familiar with the new system or how the tolling works,"

The new road, which provides a more direct route between Northland and Auckland, will be New Zealand's first fully electronic toll road.

Mayor Webster says the decision by Mr Joyce to lift the tolls for the holiday weekend is a good example of Government listening to and working alongside local authorities like the Rodney District Council to the benefit of locals and motorists in the region.

ENDS

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