KINGSTON, Jamaica – The new toll rates for the use of the North/South leg of Highway 2000 will be effective as of midnight on March 23, 2016.

The Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing in a news release a short while ago advised motorists that when they enter the highway, they will not be required to pay their toll at the first Toll Plaza. Instead they will be given a card, which they should keep safely until they arrive at the exiting Toll Plaza.

The release said the card should then be given to the toll clerk, who will input the information into the system, which will determine the amount to be paid based on the class of the motor vehicle and the entry point to the toll road.

“The rates charged will be 25 per cent less than the proposed rates that were publish in the newspapers a week ago,” the ministry said.

More than 450 responses were received from the motoring public denouncing the proposed rates.

However, Prime Minister Andrew Holness today announced a 25 per cent reduction in the rates at the opening ceremony for the highway, following two days of negotiations with the toll operator.