A TOLL FOR A BRIDGE

Evening Post, Volume CXIV, Issue 18, 21 July 1932, Page 10

A TOLL FOR A BRIDGE

The attempt of the Automobile Club's president to justify opposition to the proposed Paremata bridge toll is not convincing. In fact, it reveals the weakness of his case.

Imagine what would happen were this toll permitted (said Mr. Batt). In times of economic stress like this every borough and county in the Dominion would rush the Government for toll permits. With the taxation now levied, on, road-users such tolls would he an added imposition .which the motorists of this country would never tolerate. But every local body could not submit a parallel case. The bridge Avill be a. definite and distinct benefit to motorists, and they will be askpd to pay the toll only if they accept that benefit. If they do not choose to accept it they can save the toll and spend their money and time in running round the estuary. They will then be subject to no extra taxation, nor will, they be deprived of anything which they enjoyed before. To say that motorists already pay heavily is to beg the If the Automobile Club can persuade the Government to make such a grant from motor taxation that a toll is not required, we have no doubt that the Hutt County Council will be satisfied. The council's chief concern is to have the bridge constructed and to, finance the construction by the equitable method which requires payment from those who obtain the greatest benefit. We cannot believe that, in opposing this endeavour, the club executive is representing the opinion of motorists who surely would not decline to pay a small fee for what will be of great direct benefit to ihem—when the benefit cannot be obtained by other means.