Support for tolling the province's newest piece of infrastructure depends on which side of the fence - or bridge in this case - you live.

According to an online survey by Port Moody company Insights West, satisfaction with the new Port Mann Bridge is high, but residents are divided on tolls.

The survey shows a slight majority of Metro Vancouver residents are in favour of a toll at 51 per cent, while another 45 per cent are opposed.

However, the results also showed significant opposition to tolls from frequent users and those living south of the Fraser River at 60 per cent.

The survey found occasional users and those who never use the bridge are supportive of the toll at 52 to 54 per cent.

The online survey also showed that many drivers plan to change their driving patterns to avoid the toll.

Among drivers who cross the bridge monthly or more often, 27 per cent said they will actively seek out new routes in order to avoid the toll, and 33 per cent indicated they plan to drive over the bridge less often. Just over half said they would use the bridge as usual and just pay the toll.

But when the toll increases to $3 on March 1, 46 per cent said they would seek out new routes while another one third of residents would drive over the bridge less often.

Insights West president Steve Mossop said the data suggests the idea of tolls is still not settled among drivers, and it could be a provincial election issue next spring and problematic for whichever party is elected. He noted the current government has had several years to get people ready for the tolls.

"What I'm seeing from the data, when you have that much opposition to something, even when you have that long of a period to sell it, it's still a major issue," Mossop told The NOW.

The survey, which was conducted between Dec. 1 and 5 among 583 B.C residents, found the majority, or 65 per cent, of Metro Vancouver residents are satisfied with the bridge and expect it to save them driving time.

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