Caretaker premier Ludovit Odor is to have a contract between the National Highway Company (NDS) and SkyToll, based on which the company should continue to operate the highway toll system until the end of 2024, examined.
Speaking at a news conference following the Cabinet session on Wednesday (July 26), the premier announced plans to meet Transport Minister Pavol Lancaric and NDS officials in connection with the highway toll system soon. He'll comment on the situation regarding the toll system following the trilateral talks.
"If the situation requires it, the premier is ready to meet representatives of the Slovak Hauliers Union (UNAS) as well. However, the Transport Minister enjoys his full trust in addressing issues within the ministry," the Premier's spokesman Peter Majer has told TASR in reaction to UNAS chairman Stanislav Skala's request for a meeting with the premier.
UNAS on Thursday asked the premier for a personal meeting. Its representatives want to inform him about shortcomings they see in the management of the Transport Ministry and in the preparation of the new toll system. The situation regarding the highway toll system has been criticised by several NGOs. Let's Stop Corruption NGO views the prolonged contract with SkyToll as disadvantageous and over-priced.
The contract with SkyToll should have ended last year, but NDS extended it until the end of 2024, explaining its decision by pointing to delays related to the tender for the new highway toll system.
Source: TASR