Govt attempts to reduce road tolls in Champassak

Various sectors of government and contractors are discussing the possibility of lowering the tolls charged for the use of arterial roads in Champassak province.
The Governor of Champassak province, Dr Vilayvong Bouddakham, told reporters last week the government is attempting to find a solution to the contentious issue by the end of this year, aiming to minimise the impacts of tolls on local drivers.
People living in the area have complained about the tolls imposed to use these roads, saying the charges are unfair and they have no alternative routes so they are forced to pay up.

“Champassak province, the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport and the contractors who built the roads are discussing ways to resolve this problem,” he said.
Dr Vilayvong outlined three possible solutions, saying that the first would be to lower the toll rates.
Secondly, the government could seek funding from various sources to buy the project from the contractors and then lower the toll rates.
Thirdly, the government may introduce lower charges for people living in the area who suffer hardship by having to pay the tolls on a regular basis. Cards could be issued to these groups of people, authorising them to pay less and so easing the burden on their finances.
Even though the government is stepping in to address this issue, the tolls will remain in place, although they are likely to be reduced.
The first toll to be levied was introduced in August 2016 on Road No. 16, which runs from the Laos-Japan Mekong Bridge to the Vangtao-Chongmek border crossing between Laos and Thailand.
The Duangdy Bridge-Road Construction Company spent US$30 million to widen the 9-metre wide road into a four-lane road and sought to recoup the cost through fees collected from road users over a period of 45 years.
Under this scheme, car drivers are required to pay 20,000 kip and minibus operators 25,000 kip per one way journey. The toll for a 35-seat bus is 40,000 kip and the operators of heavy trucks or trailers must pay 80,000 kip.
But local residents are dissatisfied with this arrangement, saying that the toll has been levied in a way that gives road users no choice but to pay up. There is no alternative route for those who are unwilling to pay the toll.
Meanwhile, a toll charged to use a road linking Pakxe city to Pakxong district was introduced recently. Road users must also pay a toll to use the road leading to the Vat Phou World Heritage Site. However, Dr Vilayvong said these roads benefitted local residents and businesses. People who do not pass toll booths can use the roads for free. Secondly, many business operators are pleased to use these convenient roads as it saves them time and money.
“Previously it took 3-4 hours to travel from Pakxe city to Pakxong district but now it takes only 30 minutes,” the governor said.

By Somsack Pongkhao
(Latest Update January 12, 2021)