NSW political parties are debating about a new budget allowance to ease the cost of toll roads
The New South Wales government has announced that around half a million road users will be eligible for rebates on their toll bills as the state grapples with its toll road costs.
In the state government’s 2022-2023 budget, they have pledged to commit $520 million over the next two years for quarterly rebates for drivers who spend at least $375 a year on using toll roads in NSW.
The new commitment is set to benefit motorists and operators using roads in Western Sydney the most, as the expansive toll network in the area should be slightly relieved by the ability for drivers to get up to $750 back.
The state government says the new program will come into effect from July 1 as it replaces the current half-price registration scheme to offset rising toll road costs.
NSW treasurer Matt Kean says the budget cost is worthwhile to appease the state’s freight operators and transport companies, while premier Dominic Perrottet says it also addresses the increasing cost of living.
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“We know many families across our state have been doing it tough,” Perrottet says.
“We’re using the NSW budget to help family budgets right across our state.”
But opposition roads spokesman John Graham says operators and drivers are still not benefited by the current toll system.
“The problem is this is offering extra assistance of $130 million per year, but this government has signed drivers over a life of these toll contracts to paying $115 billion dollars in tolls,” Graham says.
“It really is like the government turning up and robbing your safe but just leaving the loose change.”