CRI听力：The public asks toll stations shut fast

 

With a new fuel tax replacing road maintenance fees this year, toll stations on national grade-two highways across China will be closed.

A Xinhua News Agency report says the toll stations should be closed as soon as possible to protect the interests of the public.

According to a notice by the government, a scheme is being worked out to identify which toll booths are to be closed first in provinces that have the right road conditions. (www.hxen.net)

This implies the closures will be carried out step by step. Judging from past experience, it will take at least a year or even longer to fully implement the plan if such pilot programs are adopted.

The motoring public, however, are asking for the toll stations to cease operations as soon as possible - and hope the government will introduce a timetable for their closure.

If that doesn't happen, they say, they'll be paying both the new fuel tax and the road tolls.