The recently released independent review of New South Wales’ toll road network, chaired by former ACCC head Allan Fels, is welcomed by the Transport Workers Union as a potential remedy to an unfair and exploitative system that has continually taken advantage of owner-drivers and the transport industry.
The report outlines several recommendations aimed at addressing the inequities faced by these essential workers, with one of the the most significant changes recommended being the implementation of a Middle Class Heavy Vehicle classification.
The Middle Class Heavy Vehicle classification is defined as a vehicle that is not a car or motorbike, measures 3.3 metres or less in height, and is 12.5 metres or less in length. This proposed classification aims to provide fairer pricing for heavy vehicles using Sydney’s toll network by lowering the toll multiplier for drivers from three times that of a car to two times.
If this new tolling category is implemented, owner-operators of smaller heavy vehicles — already struggling amidst a cost-of-living crisis — will no longer be unfairly charged for performing their essential service of keeping Sydney moving.
Additionally, the TWU supports the recommendation to establish a government-owned special authority to improve outcomes and transparency for motorists and to enhance government accountability over the toll network.
This recommendation follows an independent review published in March, which revealed that motorists will pay $195 billion in tolls between now and 2060, with the finances of private companies being prioritised over the needs of drivers. The Independent Toll Review highlights that over half of this revenue will be collected from WestConnex concessions, underscoring the urgent need for these reforms.
However, the potential introduction of heavy vehicle multipliers on Sydney’s harbour crossings would significantly increase costs for trucks and owner-operators using these critical gateways.
The report proposes adopting a declining distance-based pricing structure as the foundation of network tolling, meaning the further a vehicle travels, the lower the tolling costs would become. However, in the long term, declining prices for heavy vehicles would only prove marginally effective and would not alleviate overall toll cost pressures. Given the frequency of usage, there should be a heavy vehicle toll cap.
Fels’ recommendations are a step toward fairness, and lowering the toll multiplier from three times to two times for Middle Class Heavy Vehicles recognises the essential service these drivers provide. This change would offer much-needed financial relief to owner-operators already struggling with the cost of living.
The review has laid bare the extent to which private company profits have been prioritised over motorists. With billions projected in tolls over the next 40 years, the need for reforms is clear. The fact that over half of this amount comes from WestConnex concessions highlights the urgency for a fairer system.
We call on the NSW Labor government to give further consideration to the needs of the road transport industry and heavy vehicles to create a more egalitarian toll network.
The TWU stands ready to work with the government to implement these recommendations and ensure that owner-drivers and the transport industry are no longer subject to an unjust and exploitative tolling system. These reforms are not just necessary — they are overdue.