JLP deplores toll rate increase

The opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has taken issue with the decision to grant a toll increase for motorists travelling on Highway 2000.

Dr. Horace Chang, Opposition Spokesman on Transport, has characterised the increases as "anti-people and anti-business."

In a statement on Wednesday afternoon, Dr. Chang deplored the measure, saying that a higher toll would be "yet another burden on the backs of Jamaicans, especially residents of the Portmore community who are already suffering because of the policies of the government."

He added that this was another example of how the government's policy of devaluation increasing pressure on working people.  

    

Dr. Chang wants the government to "immediately review the cost structure with the owners of the road," arguing that the cost is "prohibiting many persons from using the road, and is a heavy burden on those who do."

He's warning that if the cost structure is not changed, the road’s viability "will one day be in peril."

 

Notice

The Toll Authority of Jamaica, in a newspaper notice on Wednesday, announced that there will be an increase of J$10 for motorists with Class One vehicles using the toll road in May Pen, Clarendon.The previous rate was seventy dollars.

The rate for Class Two vehicles will move to J$130 ,while Class Three vehicles will attract a cost of  J$250

Portmore Toll

For the Portmore toll road, motorists with Class One vehicles will pay J$170 dup from J$150.

Passage for Class Two vehicles has been increased by J$30  to J$260 while the toll rate for Class Three vehicles has moved to J$520 up from J$450. Motorists with Class One vehicles using the toll plaza in Spanish town will have to fork out and additional J$10, Class Two – J$20 and Class Three J$30.

Vineyard Toll

The cost of  passage for Class One vehicles using the Vineyards Toll Plaza will move to J$330 while the toll for Class two vehicles will increase to J$470 Class Three will see an increase of J$100  moving the cost to J$890.

Cost of living increase  

According to Dr. Chang: “What is clear is that almost every week consumers are faced with new increases at the wholesale stores, in the supermarkets, at the gas pumps and in everyday living. The manufacturing sector is also facing increases due to the devaluation of the Jamaican dollar and its impact on electricity rates."

He added that while there is a wage freeze, the government continues to make it harder for Jamaicans to survive.