If you’re a regular user of toll roads across Sydney, it’ll start costing you more from this weekend, when the latest raft of increases come into effect.
With toll charges to increase from July 1 across numerous Sydney motorways, the NSW Government is renewing calls for the public to take part in the independent Tolling Review that’s currently underway.
Quarterly toll increases will be applied to the M7, M2, M5 South West, NorthConnex, Lane Cove Tunnel, Eastern Distributor and the Cross City Tunnel.
The regular toll increases are set in long-term contracts in place between the NSW Government and motorway owner Transurban.
Tolls on WestConnex M4, M4- M5 Link, M8 and M5 East, however, will not change on July 1 as they are subject to annual increases each January.
Tolls on the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Harbour Tunnel, owned by the NSW Government, have remained unchanged since 2009.
The NSW Government’s independent tolling review, led by Professor Allan Fels AO and Dr David Cousins AM, is engaging with the public with plans to recommend a safer, fairer and more efficient tolling system.
Options include moving all motorways to a common pricing structure, a geographic motorway zone system, and time-of-day pricing.
Public hearings scheduled for July 11 (Sydney CBD), July 12 (Parramatta) and 13 July (Penrith) will hear from members of the public, businesses and industry stakeholders about the impacts of tolls and ideas for reform.
“Currently the details dictating how and when these toll increases are applied are tied up in opaque tolling contracts that we want to share with the public,” said Minister for Roads John Graham.
“We are committed to creating a better system and a fairer deal with less confusion for Sydney’s motorists and I urge members of the public to take part in the Fels review to help shape a fairer system for all.”
To make a submission to the Tolling Review or sign up to attend one of the public hearings, click here.
The NSW Government is set to introduce a $60 a week toll cap for private motorists from January 1, and a reduction in the truck toll multiplier for heavy vehicles on the M5 East and M8 corridors from the start of next year, for two years.
The Transport Workers’ Union (NSW) has also slammed Transurban for the latest raft of toll increases.
“This unjustifiable move comes at a time when the community is already grappling with a cost of living crisis, further burdening hardworking individuals and families who rely on our roads for their daily commute and essential travel needs,” said Richard Olsen, TWU NSW/QLD state secretary.
“The impact of Transurban’s toll hike extends beyond individual motorists to the broader transport industry. Transport operators are already grappling with rising operational costs. The increased tolls will directly translate into higher expenses, ultimately impacting the prices of goods, and put pressure on transport workers to meet unrealistic deadlines.”
