SURREY (NEWS1130) – You’re in for a tight squeeze if you plan on taking the South Fraser Perimeter Road to access the free alternative to the new Port Mann.

The four lane highway narrows to two lanes, squishing you on to the aging Pattullo.

Transportation Critic Harry Bains is suggesting this system may be deliberate, explaining if there’s a constant backlog of traffic, people may become more likely to pay the toll to cross the Port Mann.

“For them to say the South Fraser Perimeter is a free alternative is laughable. For them to say Patullo Bridge is a free alternative is challenging people, playing with their intelligence.”

The South Fraser Perimeter will open all four lanes later next year, but Bains thinks people will be used to the Port Mann by then.

Vice Chair of the Mayor’s Regional Transportation Council Peter Fassbender says South Fraser Perimeter back-ups may cost you more than the toll you’re avoiding.

“Because of the time-saving and the saving on gas, they should consider using the new Port Mann.”