Gyeonggi-do Loses Lawsuit to Cancel Ilsan Bridge Operator... Toll Collection Enforced

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] In the legal dispute between Gyeonggi Province and the Ilsan Bridge operator over 'toll-free passage,' the operator won the case.

On the 9th, the Administrative Division 4 of Suwon District Court (Chief Judge Gong Hyeonjin) ruled in favor of the plaintiff in the lawsuit filed by the Ilsan Bridge operator against Gyeonggi Province, seeking cancellation of the designation as project implementer and cancellation of the conditional toll collection prohibition order.

The court stated, "It is true that the toll is a burden, but it is difficult to see the burden as so great that it restricts fundamental rights compared to user benefits," and added, "The reasons for the defendant's disposition are not recognized and thus are illegal."

Ilsan Bridge was constructed with private capital and opened in May 2008. It was built at the lowest downstream point of the Han River, connecting Beopgot-dong, Goyang City, and Geolpo-dong, Gimpo City, spanning 1.84 km.

Among the 28 bridges over the Han River, it is the only toll bridge, with tolls set at 600 won for compact cars, 1,200 won for small (passenger) cars, 1,800 won for medium vehicles, and 2,400 won for large vehicles.

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, approved a public interest disposition related to toll-free passage on Ilsan Bridge before resigning as governor of Gyeonggi Province on October 26 last year. Governor Kim Dong-yeon of Gyeonggi Province pledged toll-free passage on Ilsan Bridge as part of his campaign in the June 1 local elections. Gyeonggi Province is negotiating with the National Pension Service, which holds shares in the operator, to acquire operating rights.