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Worldwide Toll Crossings Overview

Estimated Numbers (as of 2024). All rates in Dollars ($) as principle international currency

• Total toll roads worldwide: 70,000+ km
• Toll bridges and tunnels: 5,000+ (approximate)
• Countries with toll roads: 130+

Regional Breakdown (Approximate)

Region	Toll Roads	Notable Features
North America	8,000+ km	Extensive use of electronic tolling
Europe	30,000+ km	Many countries with nationwide systems
Asia	25,000+ km	Rapid growth, especially in China and India
South America	5,000+ km	Increasing use of public-private partnerships
Africa	2,000+ km	Growing, with South Africa leading
Oceania	500+ km	Mainly in Australia, urban toll roads

Note: These figures are estimates and can change rapidly due to ongoing infrastructure development.

Types of Toll Crossings

1. Highways/Motorways
2. Bridges
3. Tunnels
4. Urban congestion zones
5. Express lanes within highways

Trends

• Increasing use of electronic and cashless tolling
• Growth of dynamic pricing based on traffic conditions
• Integration of tolling with broader traffic management systems
• Rise of public-private partnerships in toll road development

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Below, information about toll rates worldwide. Keep in mind that toll rates can vary significantly depending on the specific road, bridge, or tunnel, as well as factors like time of day, vehicle type, and payment method. Let’s create a comparison of some notable toll roads and bridges from around the world.

Worldwide Toll Rate Comparison (as of 2024)

Country	Toll Road/Bridge	Vehicle Type	Toll Rate (USD)	Notes
USA	Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco	Standard car	$9.40	Pay-by-plate rate. FasTrak rate is $8.40
Japan	Tokyo-Nagoya Expressway	Standard car	~$80	For the full 350km journey
France	Paris to Bordeaux (A10)	Standard car	~$75	For the full 585km journey
Australia	Sydney Harbour Bridge	Standard car	$3 – $4	Varies by time of day
China	Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge	Private car	$20 – $65	Varies based on specific crossing
Norway	Atlantic Ocean Tunnel	Standard car	~$11	Underwater tunnel connecting islands
Italy	Milan to Naples (A1)	Standard car	~$60	For the full 760km journey
Canada	407 ETR (Toronto)	Light vehicle	$0.22 – $0.55 per km	Varies by time and section
United Kingdom	M6 Toll	Standard car	~$8.50	For the full 27-mile stretch
Singapore	Electronic Road Pricing	Standard car	$0.50 – $3	Varies by location and time

Note: Rates are approximate and may change. Always check official sources for the most up-to-date information.

I’ve created a comparison table of toll rates for various notable toll roads and bridges around the world. Here are some observations and additional context:

1. Variation in pricing models:

• Some tolls are fixed (like the Golden Gate Bridge), while others are distance-based (like many European highways).
• Some use time-of-day pricing to manage congestion (e.g., Sydney Harbour Bridge, Singapore’s Electronic Road Pricing).

1. Highest rates:

• Long-distance highway journeys tend to have the highest total costs, such as the Tokyo-Nagoya Expressway in Japan or the Paris to Bordeaux route in France.
• These high rates often reflect the cost of maintaining extensive highway networks and the principle of user-pays funding for infrastructure.

1. Urban congestion pricing:

• Cities like Singapore use variable pricing to manage traffic flow, with higher rates during peak hours.

1. Unique structures:

• The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge has a wide range of prices depending on the specific crossing, reflecting its complex structure connecting three different jurisdictions.
• Norway’s Atlantic Ocean Tunnel represents the country’s many fjord crossings, which often have tolls to fund their construction and maintenance.

1. Electronic tolling:

• Many places offer discounts for electronic toll collection methods (e.g., FasTrak on the Golden Gate Bridge).
• Some systems, like Toronto’s 407 ETR, are entirely electronic with no toll booths.

1. Currency considerations:

• All prices are converted to USD for ease of comparison, but actual rates would be in local currencies.

It’s important to note that toll rates can change frequently and may be affected by factors such as:

• Government policies
• Infrastructure funding needs
• Traffic management strategies
• Economic conditions
• Environmental policies (e.g., congestion charges to reduce emissions)

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9th September 2024: Based on the minister’s response, here are some suggested next steps to consider:

1. Participate in upcoming consultations:

The minister mentioned upcoming public consultations for the Transport Strategy and the Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan (RSTNTP). You should prepare to participate in these consultations when they become available, likely towards the end of this year and in Spring 2025 respectively.

2. Focus on the Eastern Transport Plan:
   The minister specifically pointed out that the Eastern Transport Plan is more relevant to the Strangford-Portaferry link. You should closely monitor and engage with the development of this plan. Visit the website provided (https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/articles/eastern-transport-plan-etp-2035) to stay informed.
3. Gather economic data:

The minister mentioned that there are currently insufficient economic benefits to justify the investment. You could consider gathering more comprehensive economic data to support your case. This might include:

• Projected usage of a permanent crossing
• Potential economic impact on local businesses and tourism
• Comparative costs of maintaining the ferry service versus a permanent crossing over time

1. Explore environmental considerations:
   Given the environmental sensitivity of the area, you might want to research and propose environmentally friendly crossing options that could minimize impact on the Special Area of Conservation.
2. Build community support:
   Consider engaging with local community groups, businesses, and other stakeholders to build broader support for the project. This could strengthen your case in future consultations.
3. Look for alternative funding sources:
   While the Shared Island Fund was not considered appropriate, you could research other potential funding sources, including private-public partnerships or EU funding programs that might be applicable.
4. Prepare for long-term advocacy:
   Given the minister’s response, it’s clear that this project would be a long-term goal. Consider developing a strategic plan for ongoing advocacy over the coming years.
5. Request a meeting:
   You could request a meeting with relevant officials from the Department of Infrastructure to discuss your proposal in more detail and understand what specific criteria would need to be met for the project to be considered viable.

Expanding on point 4: Prepare for long-term advocacy. This is a crucial aspect given the minister’s response, which indicates that a permanent Strangford Lough crossing is not currently viable but could potentially be reconsidered in the future.

Long-term Advocacy Strategy for Strangford Lough Crossing

1. Establish Clear Objectives

• Primary goal: Secure approval and funding for a permanent Strangford Lough crossing
• Secondary goals:
• Raise public awareness and support
• Influence transport policy decisions
• Gather compelling evidence for the project’s viability

2. Build a Coalition

• Identify key stakeholders (local businesses, community groups, environmental organizations)
• Create a formal advocacy group or committee
• Assign roles and responsibilities within the coalition

3. Develop a Comprehensive Case

• Conduct thorough research on:
• Economic benefits (job creation, tourism boost, time savings)
• Environmental impact and mitigation strategies
• Technical feasibility of various crossing options
• Comparative analysis with similar projects elsewhere
• Compile all data into a persuasive report

4. Create a Communication Plan

• Develop key messages and talking points
• Design informational materials (brochures, website, social media content)
• Plan regular community meetings and information sessions
• Engage with local and national media

5. Political Engagement Strategy

• Map out relevant political stakeholders at local and national levels
• Schedule regular meetings with key decision-makers
• Prepare briefing documents for politicians and civil servants
• Monitor and respond to relevant political developments

6. Funding Exploration

• Research potential funding sources (government, EU, private sector)
• Develop relationships with potential funders
• Prepare funding proposals and applications

7. Participate in Policy Processes

• Engage proactively in all relevant consultations
• Submit well-researched responses to transport plans and strategies
• Seek representation on relevant advisory boards or committees

8. Monitor and Adapt

• Set up a system to track progress and measure impact of advocacy efforts
• Regularly review and update the strategy based on changing circumstances
• Celebrate small wins to maintain momentum

9. Succession Planning

• Develop a leadership pipeline within the advocacy group
• Document all processes and knowledge to ensure continuity
• Plan for generational engagement to maintain long-term support

10. Timeline and Milestones

• Year 1-2: Coalition building and initial research
• Year 3-5: Intensive engagement with policy processes and decision-makers
• Year 5-10: Continued advocacy and adaptation of strategy based on progress
• Long-term: Maintain pressure and adapt to changing political and economic landscapes

Remember, persistence and adaptability are key in long-term advocacy efforts.

This long-term advocacy strategy provides a structured approach to pursuing your goal of a permanent Strangford Lough crossing over an extended period. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Persistence is crucial: The minister’s response suggests that this project is not currently a priority. Your advocacy efforts may need to span several years or even decades.
2. Build a strong coalition: Gather support from various stakeholders including local businesses, community groups, and potentially even environmental organizations. A united front will have a stronger voice.
3. Focus on evidence: Continuously gather and update economic, environmental, and technical data to strengthen your case over time.
4. Engage with the political process: Regularly participate in consultations, respond to transport plans, and maintain relationships with key decision-makers.
5. Stay informed and adaptable: Keep track of changes in government policies, funding opportunities, and technological advancements that could impact the viability of the project.
6. Prepare for leadership transitions: Ensure that your advocacy efforts can continue even as key individuals move on. Document your processes and cultivate new leaders within your group.
7. Celebrate small wins: Recognize that progress may be incremental. Achievements like getting the crossing mentioned in a transport plan or securing a feasibility study should be seen as important milestones.

Remember, long-term advocacy requires patience and resilience. You’re working towards a significant infrastructure project that could have lasting benefits for your community. Stay committed to your vision while remaining open to adapt your strategy as circumstances change.

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10th September 2024: Here are a few examples of crossings that have contributed to economic regeneration:

1. Øresund Bridge: Connecting Denmark and Sweden
   This combined railway and motorway bridge connects Copenhagen, Denmark to Malmö, Sweden across the Øresund Strait. Since opening in 2000, it has fostered increased trade, a more integrated labor market, and economic growth in the Øresund Region.
2. Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge
   Opened in 2018, this 55-kilometer bridge-tunnel system connects Hong Kong, Macau, and Zhuhai. It aims to boost economic integration and development in China’s Greater Bay Area.
3. Channel Tunnel (Chunnel): Connecting the UK and France
   This undersea rail tunnel between England and France, opened in 1994, has significantly increased trade and tourism between the two countries.
4. Golden Gate Bridge: San Francisco, USA
   While not an international crossing, this iconic bridge connected San Francisco to Marin County in 1937, spurring economic growth and development in the Bay Area.
5. Confederation Bridge: Connecting Prince Edward Island to mainland Canada
   Opened in 1997, this 12.9-kilometer bridge replaced ferry services, boosting tourism and economic activity on Prince Edward Island.

More details on Example 5, Confederation Bridge.

The Confederation Bridge, opened on May 31, 1997, is a 12.9-kilometer (8-mile) long bridge spanning the Northumberland Strait. It connects Prince Edward Island (PEI) to the mainland of Canada at New Brunswick. This fixed link replaced a ferry service that had been the only connection between PEI and the mainland for decades.

Here are some key points about its impact on economic regeneration:

1. Tourism boost: The bridge made PEI more accessible to tourists, leading to a significant increase in visitor numbers. In the first year after the bridge opened, tourism increased by 60%.
2. Agricultural exports: The bridge allowed for easier and more reliable transportation of PEI’s agricultural products, particularly potatoes, to mainland markets. This improved the island’s agricultural export capabilities.
3. Year-round access: Unlike the ferry service, which could be disrupted by weather conditions, the bridge provides reliable year-round access. This consistency has been crucial for businesses and industries on the island.
4. Business attraction: The improved connectivity has made PEI more attractive for businesses, leading to some companies relocating or expanding operations on the island.
5. Real estate development: The bridge led to increased property values and development, particularly in areas closer to the bridge.
6. Employment opportunities: The construction of the bridge itself created numerous jobs, and the improved access has led to more diverse employment opportunities for island residents.
7. Healthcare access: The bridge has made it easier for PEI residents to access specialized medical care on the mainland when necessary.
8. Education: It’s become more feasible for students from PEI to attend universities on the mainland while maintaining closer ties to home.
9. Costs and controversies: Despite these benefits, the bridge has not been without controversy. The toll for crossing (which was about $47.75 CAD for a standard car as of 2021) is considered high by some. There have also been concerns about the impact on local ferry workers who lost their jobs.
10. Long-term economic impact: While the immediate impact was significant, the long-term economic effects have been more moderate than initially projected. However, the bridge has undeniably changed the economic landscape of PEI.

The Confederation Bridge serves as an interesting case study in how major infrastructure projects can impact island economies and communities. It demonstrates both the potential benefits of improved connectivity and the complex challenges that can arise from such significant changes.