Truckers are concerned about a plan by New Brunswick to have all vehicles with out-of-province licence plates pay a toll at the border with Nova Scotia.
The tolls won’t come into effect for a couple of years, but the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association says the profit margins in the industry are not substantial enough to handle significant increases in costs.
The executive director, Chris McKee, is curious about the timing given that talks and agreements have been focused on knocking down interprovincial trade barriers.
Chris McKee, Executive Director of the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association (APTA)
New Brunswick says it will use the $10-million a year to help pay for road infrastructure.
Not many trucks carrying goods bound for this province arrive by means other than the TCH via the Maritimes. About 2,500 vehicles per day traverse that crossing.
“Many of the trucks bring essential goods that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians rely on and any extra costs are passed along in surcharges meaning it’s you and me who foot the bill,” says McKee.
