NatRoad CEO Warren Clark has welcomed the NSW government’s pursuit of lower road toll costs in Sydney and says the recently proposed reforms justify changed NatRoad has been calling for over the past six years.
A state-owned tolling entity ‘NSW Motorway’ and an independent pricing watchdog and ombudsman are among the key reforms announced by Transport for NSW earlier this week.
“What was announced today is in line with what NatRoad has been calling for over six years,” Clark says. “I’m pleased to see so many of our recommendations finally being taken up.
“Our members don’t have a choice but to pay the tolls, and small businesses on tight margins do not have the economic bargaining power to simply pass on all higher costs.
“Ultimately, we need a system where new tolls must be subject to an independent regulation and the heavy vehicle toll multiplier is reduced to be more reflective of actual costs.
“We need to see multiple trip discounts, off-peak incentivised pricing and a clear commitment to reduce business costs and the cost of living.”
The toll road provider says it is hoping to work with government to improve outcomes for motorists in the state.
Despite the announcement of the reform, motorists are unlikely to feel any immediate toll relief in Sydney, as any changes to the current system will likely not be in effect until 2027.
“Unfortunately, even with the introduction of these proposed reforms, for now road users will still pay the same price at the toll booth,” Clark continues.
“We can’t continue with a situation in which transport companies are spending millions on tolls, as was highlighted in a report this week.
“In the same report, one company reported spending over $7 million. Multiple operators are spending over a million.”
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