Tunnel Tolls

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31178, 30 September 1966, Page 12

Tunnel Tolls

Sir,—Could someone explain why so many people feel the tunnel tolls should be paid by only those who drive through it? Everyone who shops in Christchurch uses the tunnel. It is a link with the city port. To drive a heavy truck over Evans pass is further and far more wearing than through the tunnel, and as a high proportion of the goods that come into Christchurch must come from Lyttelton, the extra cost, or saving, must eventually come back to the consumer. The sooner the tolls are lifted the better for everyone.—Yours, etc.. R. MARKS. September 29, 1966.

Sir, —Most of your correspondents on this subject overlook that those who benefit most from the use of the tunnel are cartage contractors and business firms. The alternative route over Evans pass was costly in time, petrol, and maintenance. Someone has to pay for the tunnel, and in the opinion of any sane person it should be the user. There are hundreds of motorists in and around , Christchurch who seldom use the tunnel. Why should they contribute to it by paying petrol tax that should be used to improve the roads? Many of these will be Labour supporters. Will they vote Labour? They will be mugs if the do! To win votes in his electorate Mr Kirk says he will remove tolls. It could well be a boomerang.— Yours etc. PAY AS YOU USE September 28,1966.