MUSCAT: Oman is likely to impose tolls on some of its roads soon, the Undersecretary for Transport at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology has indicated on Monday.

At the ninth media meeting of the Ministry, Eng. Khamis Mohammed Al Shamakhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry for Transport said, “We do not want to impose fees for roads until alternative routes have been introduced in these areas. For example, routes such as Muscat – Al Dakhiliyah, Muscat – Al Batinah.

“Many developed countries have imposed such tolls on roads. The toll amount varies from one country to another, and also on the type of roads such as a highway. Toll amounts also vary from the type, size or weight of a vehicle.”

According to Al Shamakhi, the proceeds from the toll will be put either towards maintenance and repair of the roads or to the state treasury.

He also pointed out that the Ministry is speeding up the awarding of road maintenance tenders for five years instead of just one year.