As already reported, tolls in Rogaland will increase. The increases are the cause protests by the inhabitants of this district. However, as it turns out, the people of Østfold are also dissatisfied with the introduction of the new tolls around Fredrikstad, as well as on the road from there to Sarpsborg. Today (Tuesday, September 11) there will be an official protest.
Charges at Fredrikstad from 2019
According to the plans, the new tolls at Fredrikstad will apply from 2019. In addition, in 2022, new gates are to be built around this city, as well as on the route to Sarpsborg. Currently, a single ride costs NOK 26, but increases are possible. This state of affairs has resulted in the initiation of the initiative of the residents, the aim of which is to express their dissatisfaction.
Read also: The impact of the increases on car traffic in Oslo >>>
Inhabitants are against change
Last week, around 150 drivers expressed their dissatisfaction in Oslo. They occupied the entire road lane, moving along it at very low speed all the way from Sandvika to the Norwegian capital. Today the inhabitants of Fredrikstad will protest, and according to the organizer - Kirsti Nelvik - 400 people are to take part. The demonstration will take place in the evening and will depart from Stortorget via Glade Hjørnet and end in front of the City Hall.
Dissatisfaction is also growing in Rogaland
The new tolls are also opposed by the residents of Rogaland. On August 15 - 20, Respons Analysis agency questioned 200 people from Stavanger, Sola, Randaberg and Sandnes about their attitude towards pay rises. It turns out that 7 out of 10 respondents expressed their dissatisfaction.
Read also: Road tolls in Oslo also for ebili owners >>>
Voting preferences are also changing
The expression of social irritation in Rogaland is also visible in the latest polls for the local elections in 2019. The so far marginal Party "Citizens Against Toll Rises" is gaining support. According to a survey commissioned by the VG and Stavanger Aftenbladet newspapers, as many as 3,1% of residents are willing to vote for this grouping. In practice, this means that this party can boast more support than the Venstre party, the left-wing Rødt party or the Green Party MDG.
More new tolls. What's next with the fees?
The mayor of Fredrikstad - Jon-Ivar Nygård - has shed some light on where the toll increases are coming from. As stated in an interview with ABC Nyheter, local governments may avoid introducing tolls, but this will mean a lack of funds for infrastructure investments. Government subsidies are lower than before, which is why, in his opinion, local politicians have a choice: to plan the development of road infrastructure and public transport financed from road tolls or to abandon these plans without applying increases.
Read also: Is commuting work time? >>>
So for forward thinking, road pricing must be introduced. Jon-Ivar Nygård also announced his presence at today's protest in Fredrikstad. Its intention is to make the government take responsibility for local road investments.
