RFNSW questions government decision to exclude heavy vehicles from initiative
Road Freight NSW (RFNSW) has expressed dismay that heavy vehicle operators have been excluded from the expansion of the NSW Government’s Toll Relief Program.
Free vehicle registration will be given to owners of privately registered light vehicles if they’ve spent $25 or more per week ($1,300 or more per year) on one tag or tagless account.
This applies to privately registered motor vehicles weighing less than 2,795kg. Heavy vehicles or vehicles registered for any use other than private (i.e with ABN or ACN on a toll account) are not exempt.
“Whilst we are pleased that light vehicle owners have been provided with some relief at the toll gates, RFNSW is questioning why truck operators, who are frequent toll road users, have been left out,” RFNSW CEO Simon O’Hara says.
“Some of our members are paying tens of thousands of dollars in tolls every month. They continue to feel effect of road tolls, rising fuel costs and unwarranted port infrastructure surcharges charges, which are combining to erode the viability of owner operators’ businesses.
“And there is clearly no relief in sight in the lead-up to Christmas”.
Read how the ATA called out states and infrastructure operators on charges, here
RFNSW says it supports the government’s aim of shifting more heavy vehicles on to tolls roads and underground motorways but questions this particular initiative.
“The government needs to incentivise trucks operators if they expect them to move heavy vehicles off suburban roads on to toll roads and motorways, particularly at a time when the demand for road freight continues to grow.
“RFNSW looks forward to continuing our dialogue with the government, Transport for NSW and our other key stakeholders, in order to develop new approaches on how they can assist truck operators and industry for the benefit of the whole community.”