Wednesday June 16, 2010 Leader

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On a roll to conquer cancer page 30

Chiefs perfect, win three in Whalley page 25

Wednesday June 16, 2010 Serving Surrey and North Delta www.surreyleader.com

Pay too slow, pay much more Toll surcharges on new Port Mann Bridge slammed by NDP by Jeff Nagel MOTORISTS WHO use the new Port Mann Bridge and aren’t careful about paying the bill fast will be charged sharply higher tolls. The concession agreement governing the new toll bridge shows those who don’t pay within two full days of crossing may be charged $5.15 each way, rather than the $2.85 base toll for those who pay quickly, pre-pay or have a transponder. Opposition New Democrats, who released the agreement obtained under Freedom of Information, say the government misled motorists by repeatedly promising Port Mann tolls of $3 for regular vehicles. “Many people will be paying $5.15 compared to the $3 they thought it would be,” NDP transportation critic Harry Bains Harry Bains said. “And we haven’t seen the improvement in public transit they promised.” He said it’s unreasonable to jack the price for those who don’t pay within two days. “You won’t even get the bill within 48 hours in order to pay,” he said. Bains noted the “video processing” surcharge for those without transponders who don’t pay promptly is significantly more than the equivalent extra fee at the tolled Golden Ears Bridge. It charges $2.75 for cars with transponders, $3.30 for those that are

“Many people will be paying $5.15 compared to the $3 they thought it would be.”

ILLUSTRATION SUBMITTED

Drivers who don’t pay the toll for crossing the new Port Mann Bridge within two days stand to pay nearly double, according to a concession agreement obtained by the New Democrats

See MINISTER / Page 4

Breathalyzer evidence allowed in Middelaer case Mechanic and undercover officer also testify by Tracy Holmes THE JUDGE in the case against a Delta woman accused of impaired driving in the death of four-year-old Alexa Middelaer has allowed breathalyzer evidence to be considered. The court also heard Monday from the mechanic who inspected Carol Berner’s car after the crash, and an undercover officer who befriended the accused as

part of the police investigation. Berner is charged with four counts –impaired driving causing death, impaired driving causing bodily harm, dangerous driving causing death and dangerous driving causing bodily harm. Judge Peder Gulbransen agreed to admit results of a roadside blood-alcohol screening device obtained from Berner in May 2008 at the scene of the crash. Berner’s lawyer, David Tarnow, argued last week that See BERNER / Page 4

LEADER FILE PHOTO

Defendant Carol Berner, flanked by defence counsel David and Jason Tarnow.

Editorial 6 Letters 7 Sports 25 Life 30 Classifieds 34

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