Association takes up cudgels again on forced use
The National Road Transport Association (NatRoad) is refusing to let go of the newest of that peculiarly New South Wales practice of forcing road users on to toll roads.
The association is again calling on the state’s government to postpone the introduction of new tolls for the NorthConnex tunnel crossing when it starts operation in the coming months.
The new call comes as the state Labor opposition seeks to make political headway on the issue of tolling.
To date, NatRoad’s calls have been rejected, but it insists the government must address the issue urgently.
When NorthConnex opens, it will be mandatory for most heavy vehicles to use the tunnel, thereby incurring unacceptably large costs.
Most heavy vehicle operators will be prohibited from using Pennant Hills Road.
“The cost of tolls on a route that trucks will be forced to take is too high, especially in a time of crisis,” NatRoad CEO Warren Clark says.
“For example, a single truck doing two return trips a day say from Newcastle to Sydney, five days a week for 48 weeks a year will accumulate $22,109 in tolls.
“Many road freight transport companies are doing it tough due to the pandemic, and the mandatory tolls added to businesses costs in turbulent times could cause many to go out of business.
“In addition, whilst most heavy vehicles are required by government to use the tunnel and pay the toll, it is unclear how those who use Pennant Hills Road won’t be subjected to administrative overload by getting notices to show they were using the road lawfully.
“Heavy vehicles shouldn’t be forced to use the tunnel.
“It’s as simple as that.
“Whenever or wherever toll roads are built in Australia, road users should be given the choice of using a non-tolled road.
The NSW government will deny heavy vehicle operators and drivers that essential freedom if the current policy is maintained.
“It is an unacceptable policy, and NatRoad has not given up on calling on its urgent review.”
Read the NSW government’s reminder about NorthConnex fines, here
Meanwhile, state Labor recently urged the government to ease the financial burden on motorists and truck drivers by offering toll relief on the M5 East during the Covid-19 pandemic.
It is also calling for toll-free periods on all new toll roads in NSW.
It asserts that the toll there for trucks, at $20.86 per trip, adds up to $10,000- $14,000 a year, while for cars that is $6.95 each way or more than $3,300 a year.
“Labor built this road. The public paid for it. Now the Government wants the public to pay for it 15 times over and it’s the truckies and tradies who are being hit the hardest. This is a tax on the people of South West Sydney,” Kogarah MP Chris Minns says.