United People’s party (UP) Member of Parliament (MP) Francisco Lacroes’ suggested introduction of a toll on the Simpson Bay Causeway as a way for government to generate revenue (see Tuesday newspaper) sparked quite a few comments. Most motorists, already facing fuel price hikes like the ones again announced in today’s edition, don’t want to hear anything about higher transport expenses.
The opposition member did say a small charge might be considered, noting that many people who use the swivel bridge live on the French side while the cost of maintaining it falls on the Dutch side. He mentioned a fee as low as 25 or 50 cents.
The question then becomes whether such amounts are worth the effort. A study of vehicles going over the then fairly new bridge was done years ago but probably needs updating.
Perhaps the biggest issue with the MP’s idea if what the causeway was built for in the first place: To limit daily congestion in the area particularly during afternoon hours and especially in the high tourism season.
Although opinions may vary on to what extent this was achieved, having an alternative route surely didn’t hurt. People now fear a toll could lead some to avoid the lagoon bridge and also slow down traffic, creating even longer lines than those currently being experienced also in Cole Bay and Bellevue.
In that sense, it might well defeat the purpose.
