The Toll Authority has proposed an average 17.2 per cent increase intoll rates along the Ferry, St. Catherine, to Sandy Bay, Clarendon, corridor of Highway 2000.

The authority, in a notice posted in the newspapers yesterday, proposed that the rate for class one vehicles be increased to $190, up from the current $180; $250 for class two vehicles, up from $200; and, $480 for class three vehicles, up from $400.

It is also proposing that the toll rates at the Spanish Town toll plaza be increased to $60 for class one vehicles; $80 for class two vehicles; and $150 for class three vehicles.

Seven days to respond

However, Joan Fletcher, managing director of the Toll Authority, said members of the public have seven days in which to express their concern in writing to the Minister of Transport, Robert Pickersgill, who will then decide on the actual rate of increase.

Under the concession agreement with the Government, TransJamaican Highway - operators of Highway 2000 - has the right to apply for a review of toll rates every six months to compensate for inflation and any slide in the foreign exchange rate.