The state opposition is leading the charge to amend the current toll system’s pricing scheme
The New South Wales government is issuing a review to look at the current toll system’s pricing inconsistencies, fairness and congestion impacts.
The review comes after politicians and industry members have criticised the huge toll costs that come with using some of NSW’s most popular roads.
The review will investigate the pricing inconsistencies, cost-of-living impacts, fairness and equality for road users and congestion impacts.
Issues surrounding NSW’s toll system came to light when many drivers reported experiencing e-toll account blunders where they were overcharged or incorrectly charged for unpaid trips.
The NSW Treasury document on the review says the pricing structure was created on a case-by-case basis, resulting in inconsistencies and customer confusion such as the e-toll problems seen in recent months.
NSW shadow minister for roads John Graham is one politician who has been vocal against the NSW toll system.
“The government has finally realised what every driver knows – that the cost of tolls are going through the roof,” Graham says.
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“Sydney is the most tolled city in the world and is home to more than half of this country’s tollways. Households in Sydney’s west are burdened with the highest tolls with the costs continuing to increase.”
According to Graham, 17 of the 20 top toll-paying suburbs are in Sydney’s west, with some people paying $6000 a year in tolls.
Graham says signs should be installed at specific toll roads to inform drivers of how much a trip will cost and how much time they can save by using the road.
By doing this, he says people living in Sydney can finally feel toll relief.
“Households in Sydney’s west are burdened with the highest tolls with the costs only continuing to increase,” he says.
“Currently it’s simply too high for most people to afford.”