A rental car company has banned its customers from using the new Northern Gateway toll road, saying it will fine them $500 if they do.
Scotties Car Rentals says the 7.5km highway is no faster than the former route through Orewa. Non payments are causing the company headaches.
Company director Keith Scott says customers will not be insured if they use the toll road and they will be expected to cover administrative costs accumulated by non or late payment of tolls, if they do.
Mr Scott says that will equate to an additional fee of $500.
Scott says the industry as a whole is frustrated by the tolling system and he expects other companies to take a similar stance.
The $365 million Northern Gateway route was opened at Anniversary Weekend. There was considerable congestion then and at Waitangi Weekend.
Rodney District Mayor Penny Webster says the whole situation is laughable.