New Zealand truck drivers plan to create gridlock on the streets of the nation's biggest cities tomorrow in protest at an increase in government charges.
Police are advising motorists to expect delays and avoid unnecessary travel in cities including Auckland and Wellington. At least 1,000 trucks are expected in Auckland's central business district, the Road Transport Forum which represents commercial operators, said in a statement.
On July 1, Transport Minister Annette King increased road user charges by an average of 7.5 percent, effective immediately. Truckers face a delay before they can increase prices to recover the extra costs, at the same time as fuel costs soar and an economic slowdown crimps demand, Forum Chief Executive Officer Tony Friedlander said.
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