China has more toll roads than any other countryin the world. Today, to help the drivers from high tolls, the country has launched a one-year campaign against unreasonable toll charges.

Chinese toll roads represent more than 70 percent of the world's total.

Truck drivers like Mr. Wu who delivers goods from one province to another are the biggest victims.

Usually, he has to cross several provinces on one delivery. And on his way, he will come across countless toll stations. Sometimes, toll fees cut his profits by more than half.

There are two types of toll roads in China. One is government loan roads, the other, which is the majority, is commercial roads. Under regulations, a government loan road can charge fees for up to 15 years, while commercial roads can collect fees for up to 30 years. They should stop charging for tolls when the costs for building the roads are covered.

But the regulations seem to be neglected in many provinces. Chargeable periods are often extended. According to a 2008 report by the National Audit Office, 35 commercial roads in 12 provinces have collected more than ten times the cost.

The new campaign is aimed at changing the situation.

Feng Zhenglin, vice minister of Ministry of Transportation, said, "We will correct wrong behavior, including excessive toll stations, high toll fees and extended toll collection periods. "

Inspectors will also carefully follow the use of collected fees. Cases have been found of the money being embezzled.

With the total length of roads exceeding 4 million kilometers, it's time to stop them from being investors' cash dispensers.

vivi笔记:

toll roads:收费公路
toll stations:收费站
toll fees:通行费
government loan roads:政府还贷公路
commercial roads:经营性公路
Chargeable periods:收费期限
National Audit Office:国家审计署
Ministry of Transportation:交通部
cash dispensers:提款机

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