I MAKE this appeal to Dunbar McFarlane, toll regulator in the Ministry of Transport and Works. I write with respect to the proposed increase in toll charges on Highway 2000, and to make known my strong objection to any increase at this time.

I ask that the toll operators pay attention to the fact that our economy, like the rest of the world, is going through a recession. Commercial activities are slowing down and some businesses have actually closed their doors. There are massive job cuts and proposed job cuts. Is this the appropriate time to increase the toll rates?

Decreased intake

Currently, the toll charge to travel from Portmore, across the causeway into Kingston and back, for five days per week over a four-week period (say, a month) is $4,000.00 for a small car. I guarantee you that an increase in toll charges will not result in an increase in intakes but a reduction. You are going to have fewer people using the route.

Just look back at the Budget presented by our Government earlier this year, and check the resulting revenues. If the economy is shrinking and you reduce the people's ability to spend, it is insane not to think that the economy will shrink further and faster.

Yes, I know that we have an obli-gation to TransJamaican Highway, but in light of the situation we are in and to have any hope for its improvement, we have to revisit the payment plan that is in place. It would not be defaulting, but restructuring; ask the company to hold strain for another year or two, in terms of their expected increases.

I am, etc.,

Doreen

kordyc123@yahoo.com