MOTORISTS, who have for almost six months been enjoying discounts to travel on the North-South Highway, could soon have to dig deeper in their pockets to pay new toll rates to travel between Caymanas and Mammee Bay.

The Transport Ministry declined to say what the proposed rates are, indicating that they will be published today.

Motorist were yesterday encouraged to utilise the five days given to provide feedback to the proposed rates as this could impact the final rates.

A ministry release said the increase is in keeping with the provisions of the concession agreement that was signed between the former Government and the developers of the highway — China Harbour Engineering Company.

Transport Minister Mike Henry said the request for an increase at this time is partly driven by the slippage in the value of the Jamaican dollar, and the fact that the projected traffic volume has not materialised.

According to Henry, the proposed rates reflect the maximum that can be charged at this time and provide an opportunity to continue dialogue with the developers. He said, meanwhile, that he would be pursuing a joint approach, which is needed to resolve some of the developing issues in the operation of the toll road.

These, he said, include access to security cameras, the timely repair of the landslip near Treadways, and breaches of the security fence near some communities. He said that he met yesterday with the police high command and was given the assurance by Deputy Commissioner of Police Clifford Blake that the police would be given additional vehicles and personnel to resolve the issues raised.

These issues, Henry said, provide a strong basis for negotiations of rates which are economically viable, and he promised to continue to seek the very best for motorists.

PROPOSED TOLL RATES PUBLISHED IN MARCH 2016:Caymanas to Linstead, Unity Valley, and LydfordAngels to/from Mammee BayMammee Bay to/from Linstead

Caymanas in St Catherine to Mammee Bay, St Ann

Class 3 $2,775

Class 2 $1,837.50

Class 1 $915

Class 3 $2,235

Class 2 $1,485

Class 1 $750

Class 4 $450

Class 1 $810

Class 2 $1,612.50

Class 3 $2,400

Class 4 $405

Class 3 $1,650.

Class 2 $1,110

Class 1 $555

Class 4 $270