Qld: Slump in tunnel users

AAP General News (Australia)
04-13-2010
Qld: Slump in tunnel users

BRISBANE, April 13 AAP - The number of motorists using Brisbane's new Clem7 tunnel
has slumped in the first week of tolls being imposed.

Motorists have been given a three-week reprieve from tolls, with the number of users
averaging 59,109 between March 16 and April 5.

But operator RiverCity Motorway Group said in a statement traffic volumes for the first
week of tolling, ending April 12, averaged 20,602.

This was despite a discounted toll rate applying.

There were an average 21,977 workday trips and 17,165 non-workday trips.

RiverCity Motorway chief executive Flan Cleary said it was too early to judge the success
or otherwise of the tunnel.

"The opening of the Clem7 represents a major change for Brisbane motorists," he said.

"Therefore it may take some months for travel patterns to become apparent."

The tunnel will remain toll-free between the hours of midnight to 5am until May 9.

For the remainder of the day, tolls for all motorists will be discounted by 30 per cent.

Full tolls will be imposed from midnight May 9.

The ASX-listed company now plans to release monthly traffic volume reports.

AAP pjo/goc/

KEYWORD: CLEM7

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