Yesterday, the New Zealand Transport Agency, (NZTA), announced that they would be considering a toll for the new Puhoi to Warkworth Highway, which could pay for construction and maintenance costs for the project.

The proposed toll is up for public consultation. The toll would cost $2.40 for cars and $4.80 for heavy vehicles - the same amount charged for the Northern Gateway section of State Highway One from Orewa to the Johnstones Hill Tunnels where the Pūhoi to Warkworth Highway begins.

There would be a separate toll for each section of the SH1 motorway; travelling from Orewa to Warkworth via the tunnels and new motorway would cost $4.80 for per car.

NZTA is also asking for feedback regarding reducing speed limits along some sections of state highway one. 

AA's principal adviser of infrastructure, Barney Irvine, questioned why tolling was not discussed three or four years ago when the project was first approved, saying people are looking forward to the project but finding out it will be tolled will be a kick in the guts.

"Are we going to see tolls on all new highways? If so, that's going to make for a lot of toll roads in the next few years," he said.

The Puhoi to Warkworth project was due to be completed at the end of 2021 but delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic mean this due date may not be met. 

Public consultation on the tolling and lower speed limit proposals will open today, Friday May 15, and close on June 15, 2020.

Find out more at: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/about-us/consultations/