Questions and answers

• Why was the toll for motorcycles set at zero when the toll road opened in January, 2009?
• How many submissions were received as part of NZTA's consultation on tolling motorcyclists?
• Why are you introducing a toll for motorcyclists?
• Why are motorcycles to be charged the same as cars when they cause less wear and tear and congestion on the toll road?
• Can the registration plate on the motorcycles be read by the toll system?
• Where can I obtain more information on how people responded?

Why was the toll for motorcycles set at zero when the toll road opened in January, 2009?

The decision to set a zero toll for motorcycles was made by the NZTA’s predecessor, Transit NZ, in 2005 while it was consulting the community about construction of the toll road. When the toll road opened in January last year it was made clear by the NZTA that the zero toll for motorcycles would be subject to review. Consultation conducted in late 2009 was part of this review.

How many submissions were received as part of NZTA's consultation on tolling motorcyclists?

A total of 202 submissions were received. Most were from motorcyclists in Auckland and Northland. Apart from individuals, organisations which responded included the Bikers' Rights Organisation New Zealand, Auckland and Waitakere City Councils, the Automobile Association and the Road Transport Forum.

More details on the consultation process and how people responded are available in the consultation report.

Why are you introducing a toll for motorcyclists?

It is a question of fairness. Motorcyclists get the same benefits as other road users who are required to pay for their journeys on the Northern Gateway Toll Road.

Why are motorcycles to be charged the same as cars when they cause less wear and tear and congestion on the toll road?

Tolling allowed the road to be built several years earlier than planned and the tolls are used to repay the debt incurred for that construction. The ongoing costs of operating and maintaining the road are not met by tolls. Wear and tear, congestion and environmental impact therefore do not contribute to the calculation of tolls. Like other road users, motorcyclists also have the choice of using the free alternative route on the Hibiscus Highway through Orewa.

Can the registration plate on the motorcycles be read by the toll system?

Yes, the toll system has been designed to be used by all road users and can capture the information from all legal registration plates, inclusive of those on the back of motorcycles. These are actually being captured and read now.

Where can I obtain more information on how people responded?

A description of the consultation methodology and summaries of the submissions are included in the consultation report. This report was provided to the NZTA Board to consider before they made their final decision. You can view the full consultation report by downloading the following documents: