Vehicles weighing over 2795kg kept out of registration rebate in NSW
The New South Wales government has announced motorists regularly using Sydney’s toll roads will score free vehicle registration, but trucks aren’t going to be so lucky.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced motorists who spend $25 or more on average each week on tolls will soon be eligible for a registration rebate.
The registration rebate will be available for all standard privately registered cars, utes, 4-wheel-drives and motorcycles from July 1, but does not apply to vehicles weighing more than 2795kg.
“The majority of eligible motorists will save $358 a year on registration costs, with potential savings of up to $715 a year,” Berejiklian says.
“The Government’s strong budget position allows us to give back to toll users.”
Minister for Western Sydney and WestConnex Stuart Ayres says the scheme will be backdated, so eligible motorists will enjoy free vehicle registration if they have spent more than $25 a week from July 1 this year.
“We want NSW road users to start enjoying the savings as soon as possible, so when the scheme kicks in we will include historic toll payments,” Ayres says.
“This delivers a fair go for drivers who are paying their way on the toll road network which allows them to spend less time in their cars and more time at home.”
NSW opposition leader Luke Foley told reporters he has spoken to Sydney truck drivers who admitted spending hundreds of dollars each week on tolls but getting no benefit out of this scheme.
“I’m particularly concerned about owner-drivers, we’re talking about people who often spend their life savings and more to invest in a truck, and they are to get no relief,” Foley is reported as saying.
Memcorp Lawyers solicitor James Dahdah, who represents truck drivers with toll-related issues, highlights that trucks account for a large portion of tolling revenue.
“Trucks make up a majority of road tax revenue for the state, on average some 40 times more than private cars,” Dahdah says.
ATN has contacted Foley’s office for further comment.