Councillors split on Papamoa toll point for Tauranga Eastern Link

The NZ Transport Agency is considering new tolling points on the Tauranga Eastern Link. File / Photo

Tauranga City Council is distancing itself from NZ Transport Agency's decision to look into new toll points on the Tauranga Eastern Link - but councillors are split on whether the tolls would be reasonable.

The agency has confirmed it will consider installing tolling gantries on interchanges to be built in Papamoa East and for the Rangiuru Business Park as a matter of fairness for all users of the toll road.

Infrastructure manager Christine Jones said in a meeting yesterday the council had been clear with the agency that tolling was their issue to lead.

Mount Maunganui/Papamoa ward councillor Steve Morris said he hoped the toll pricing - $2 per car and $5 per truck - would be calculated "pro rata" for people using the planned new interchanges.

"People driving to Papamoa East are not going to be getting their $2 worth given they are not driving to Paengaroa."

Councillors were not sure how much toll gantries would cost but believed it to be several million dollars.

Councillor Rick Curach said there was no business case for tolling the interchanges given the costs of the gantries and "how much they would earn given there is a parallel road."

Councillor Larry Baldock said tolls were how Tauranga "gets things done", citing both harbour bridges and Route K, all of which were tolled or planned with tolls.