Tunnel toll to stay

Press, 14 March 1978, Page 6

Tunnel toll to stay

Lyttelton residents had any hope of a remission of tunnel tolls laid firmly to rest last evening by the Minister of Finance (Mr Muldoon). The Lyttelton Borough Council had asked Muldoon to reconsider approval given to raising tolls and had even suggested their complete abolition. But Mr Muldoon insisted that the Lyttelton Road Tunnel Authority had “offered proof that Increases

were necessary to meet ' .- creased charges if the tunnel was to remain viable.” In a letter to the council, Mr Muldoon said that before the tunnel’s construction the people of Canterbury had given an “express promise that if permission was given they would pa» for the tunnel.” “The tunnel was built because it offered considerable savings in time and distance over the alternative route. “I think tolls are a modest price for these savings. It is analogous to the

Auckland Harbour Bridge, which offers similar savings in time and distance to the users,” said Mr Muldoon. “I also draw your attention to the fact that no tolls are paid on buses and so there is a toll-free passenger service available to the public.” he said. However, the council has resolved to sound out other local authorities on their feelings so that a coordinated plan can be presented to a full public meeting on the matter of tunnel tolls.