Highway 418 and Highway 401 Interchange file image

Durham happy over removal of Hwy 412 and 418 tolls

Anybody and everybody who made a public statement on the permanent removal of tolls on Highways 412 and 418, effective April 5, 2022, has welcomed it.

Highways 412 and 418 are currently the only tolled north-south highways in Ontario. Removing tolls will provide more travel options for local residents, relieve gridlock on local roads across Durham Region, and help improve economic competitiveness for local businesses.

“We have heard the people of Durham loud and clear and we agree that the tolls imposed on Highways 412 and 418 by the previous government are wrong and unfair,” said Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario. “That’s why we are removing the tolls on these Highways so that people and businesses have more travel options and hard-earned money in their pockets.”

“I have long advocated for the removal of tolls from Highway 412 and 418, and today we are taking action to resolve this unfair decision made by the previous government,” said Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby.

John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer, said: ““One of the region’s focal points continues to be economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. A reliable and affordable road network that connects Durham Region to the rest of the GTHA, and Ontario, is a vital piece of a strong economy. That is why I am thrilled to see the provincial government’s announcement to remove tolls from Highways 412 and 418, effective April 5, 2022.

Highway 412 runs through Whitby.

“The removal of tolls will have a significant and positive impact on our resident’s quality of life, reducing traffic congestion across our town by helping residents going west to access the 407 more efficiently,” said Whitby Mayor Don Mitchell. “The change will also help to relieve traffic pressure from the 401 and in Downtown Whitby… A toll-free highway will generate real economic value in our community by enabling the realization of the full marketability of employment lands located along the 412. Finally, it will defer the need to widen Lake Ridge Road and improve access to the proposed new hospital. On behalf of Whitby Town Council, I thank the premier and province for supporting this decision that will make Whitby an even greater place to live, work and play.”

Shaun Collier, Mayor of Ajax said: “It will reduce congestion on local roads, decrease commute times and support our economic recovery. On behalf of Ajax Council, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Government of Ontario for removing these unfair tolls. Council works hard to make life in Ajax more affordable for taxpayers, and lifting these tolls will alleviate a real burden on our residents.”

No Comment

Durham Post was unable to find a comment yesterday from Clarington, which hosts Highway 418.

 

Quick Facts

  • Highways 412 and 418 are two north-south oriented highways connecting Highway 401 to Highway 407 in Durham Region.
  • Toll rates for the provincially owned Highway 407 extension were temporarily frozen until May 31, 2021.
  • Toll rates on the privately owned and operated 407 ETR are not impacted by these measures.

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