The Hatoyama administration appears disjointed in its expressway toll policy. On April 9 it announced a new system that would abolish various discounts and instead set four different caps on per-day tolls, depending on vehicle size. On April 21, Democratic Party of Japan Secretary General Ichiro Ozawa called for revision of the plan, saying toll increases included for some drivers ran counter to the DPJ's election promise of making expressways toll-free.
Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama accepted his call. But the next day, transport minister Seiji Maehara said the plan would not be revised after all, adding that Mr. Hatoyama endorsed his idea. Later the same day, Mr. Hatoyama said the plan would not be revised while a relevant bill is being discussed in the Diet. But he hinted that the plan would be revised after the bill is enacted. A later revision in the toll plan is possible as the bill does not contain any concrete figures.
Trucking companies and local government officials concerned have expressed frustration over the confusion in the toll policy. It will be difficult for Mr. Hatoyama and Mr. Ozawa to find ways to placate them.