non toll figures, page-14

NRMA says businesses support Sydney tolls

Posted Sun Apr 20, 2008 2:12pm AEST

* Map: Sydney 2000

The peak motoring body in New South Wales says there is evidence that businesses are becoming more supportive of toll roads as a way to save time and reduce petrol consumption.

A National Roads and Motorists' Association (NRMA) survey of almost 600 New South Wales businesses has found organisations with fleets of vehicles are prepared to pay tolls for better roads if it means avoiding Sydney's traffic congestion.

NRMA's director Gary Punch says more than two-thirds of businesses said they would use the M-7 to F-3 link and the M-4 East extension even if it meant paying a toll.

"It's a very strong message to the State Government that if the tolls are appropriately priced, if they help reduce travel time and may cut down on fuel consumption, then businesses will use them and will support their growth,'' he said.