KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Transport Ministry has announced toll rate changes for motorists using the North-South Highway from Caymanas Estate in St Catherine to Mammee Bay, St Ann.

According to a release a short while ago, the rate changes are as a result of a shortage of coins and will take effect tomorrow.At a meeting convened at the ministry yesterday, the operators of the highway indicated that 10- and 20-dollar coins in their possession will be exhausted by Friday. They contend that an average of 60,000 of the two coins are utilised daily.“The adjustments to the toll rates will result in some motorists paying less than the usual rates, while others will pay $20 more as the rates are rounded up or down to the nearest 50 or 100 dollars,” the release stated.An analysis of the changes reveals that motorists of Classes 1, 3 and 4 vehicles using the Angels to Caymanas and Unity Valley to Linstead sections and vice versa will pay $20 more, while those using all other sections of the Highway will pay less.The Bank of Jamaica as well as Commercial banks have confirmed the shortage of coins in circulation.Transport and Mining Minister, Lester “Mike” Henry, emphasised that the changes are temporary until the shortage is resolved.He has also recommended that the operators be allowed to purchase coins directly from the BOJ for a more seamless operation of the facility.