The toll cap has been brought in to limit inflated toll expenses, but heavy vehicle operators will have to use a different rebate to save on tolls in and around Sydney
The NSW government has officially introduced cost-of-living measures to prevent Sydney continuing as the most tolled city in the world, with the $60 weekly toll cap officially underway.
However, the toll rebate won’t be applied to heavy vehicle operators.
Across the state, nearly 750,000 motorists are expected to benefit from the toll relief scheme under the government’s estimates.
In Western Sydney, motorists paying some of the highest toll rates in the state will benefit the most through the toll cap, with customers eligible for the relief able to register and claim the rebates through Service NSW from April.
“The state government’s number one priority is helping people across NSW with the rising cost of living,” acting NSW premier and Western Sydney minister Prue Car says.
“Capping tolls to $60 a week is a key part of our commitment to ease the financial burden being faced by many families.
“This toll cap will provide toll relief where it is needed most, to families who are doing it tough, particularly across Western Sydney.”
The scheme works by assessing spend on a weekly basis, with quarterly rebates being transferred to an account holder’s nominated bank account as toll relief is already accruing.
This includes tolls for any private trips taken on a NSW toll road, excluding those on the M5 South-West for customers registered for the M5 South-West Cashback Scheme at the same time.
Drivers who spend on average $200 per week from their individual tag or licence plate on tolls can expect to receive approximately $7280 in rebates per year.
But rideshare, taxis, cars registered with businesses and heavy vehicles aren’t eligible for the rebate.
Instead, a truck multiplier rebate has been introduced to assist in getting trucks off local roads and prioritising the efficient movement of goods.
The ‘truck multiplier’ rebate includes all NSW and interstate registered trucks that travel on the M5 East and M8 with a valid E-Toll, Linkt or Eastlink account.
These trucks will receive a rebate for a third of their trip travelled on the M5 East and M8, costing an estimated $54 million over the two-year trial.
Customers registering for the truck rebate from April 2024 will automatically see the toll cap credits applied to their toll account each quarter.
“The $60 toll cap was a key election promise. Nearly three-quarters of a million people will be better off as we’ve delivered on our promise,” NSW regional transport and roads minister Jenny Aitchison says.
“This is another initiative the NSW government has put in place to help people with reducing the cost of living.”