407 ETR announced today that the Ontario Court of Appeal has denied the Ontario Government leave to appeal a recent Divisional Court decision regarding plate denial for 407 ETR debts.

On November 7, 2005, the Ontario Divisional Court issued a unanimous decision ordering the Ontario Registrar of Motor Vehicles to comply with his statutory obligation to deny vehicle permits to individuals who refuse to pay their 407 ETR tolls.

On November 22, 2005, the Government sought leave to appeal the decision, but indicated that the Registrar would begin to deny the renewal of existing, and the issuance of new, vehicle plates permits of individuals who refuse to pay their 407 ETR bills.

“Plate denial has been operating for three months, so we are pleased with the decision of the Court of Appeal,” said Enrique Diaz-Rato, President and Chief Executive Officer of 407 ETR. “Today’s decision is good news, not only for the company, but for the vast majority of customers who pay their bills. The only people who should be concerned with plate denial are the small number of people who refuse to pay their bills.”

407 International Inc. is the sole shareholder of 407 ETR, the operator and manager of Highway 407, which extends 108 kilometres east-west, just north of Toronto. 407 International Inc. is owned by a consortium comprised of Cintra Concesiones de Infraestructuras de Transporte, Macquarie Infrastructure Group and SNC-Lavalin.

For more information, contact:

Media:

Dale A. Albers
Manager, Public Relations
Tel: 905-264-5221