Stoopid Kiwis

[kiwigeo]

Okay after much ado the kiwis have finally brought in laws banning use of mobile phones while driving a motor vehicle.........an then we have this....

Motorists taking the Northern Gateway out of Auckland may soon be able to pay the $2 toll by text.

The New Zealand Transport Agency is considering developing a mobile phone-based payment solution for the road, which provides a quicker route between Orewa and Puhoi.

NZTA spokesman Andy Knackstedt says the text system could be used for other toll roads constructed in the future.

The $365 million Northern Gateway was opened in January and is currently New Zealand's only toll road.

The agency is seeking expressions of interest from vendors but has not committed to the project.

The text system could hit speed-bumps though, as texting on a hand-held mobile phone while driving will be illegal from November. The agency will ensure any text system complies with the law and does not compromise safety, Mr Knackstedt says. <=== oh goody SOMEONE is on the ball!!

At present motorists taking the Northern Gateway can pay the toll at kiosks on either end of the road, through a pre-paid account, online or over the phone.

The agency automatically photographs the licence plates of vehicles driving on the road so it can bill them and match payments with trips. <==== check which drivers are texting on their phones, fine 'em and make some extra loot for the govt coffers

[Nick]

Sounds about right on how things are done around these parts, I'm expecting the law makers to be wearing Mickey Mouse ears any day now.