THE government cannot stop the collection of toll on congested highways, Works Minister Datuk Mohd Zin Mohamed said yesterday.

There was no clause in the concessionaire agreements that would allow the government to do this, he said in reply to a question by Gobind Singh Deo (DAP-Puchong).

"We cannot take any action which goes against the terms of the concession agreement.

"Once the government hands over the infrastructure, these concessionaires must bear the financial responsibilities and obligations as agreed upon."

Gobind, who had complained about the traffic congestion on the Puchong-Damansara Highway (LDP), said it was unfair for motorists to have to pay toll.
He also expressed unhappiness that all motorists driving to Puchong must pay toll.

"All roads leading to Puchong end in tolls. I don't understand why there isn't any clause in the concessionaire contracts which allows the government to intervene and do something.

"Most parts of the LDP are congested during peak hours and it is unfair to motorists to endure congestion after paying toll."

Acknowledging the unsatisfactory "level of service" of the LDP highway, Zin said the Malaysian Highway Authority had sent directives to the concessionaire to implement remedial measures immediately.

These included increasing the number of toll booths and encouraging toll payment via electronic toll collection.

He said more measures would be put in soon.