NSW motorists using toll roads will be limited to racking up a weekly toll bill of $400, if they want to benefit from the $60 cap – a key election promise of the Labor government before it won the state election in March.
During the election, Labor in opposition said they would bring in a $60 weekly maximum spend on tolls, with drivers able to claim back the amount spent over it.
The two-year trial will begin from January 1, with the first round of rebates set to be issued through Service NSW from April 2024.
To be eligible, drivers must be a NSW resident, and use their cars for a private reasons, which excludes rideshare operators, heavy vehicles, taxis and cars which are registered to a business. The cap is also only eligible for trips taken on NSW toll roads, and cannot be claimed back through interstate toll accounts.
On Friday, the government announced a “fair use” provision would also be put in place, meaning drivers can claim up to $400 a week on tolls, or receive a maximum weekly rebate of $340.
Motorists in western and northwest Sydney are expected to benefit most from the policy, which is forecast to apply to about 720,000 drivers. This includes estimates of about 13,240 account holders in Kellyville, 10,952 in Baulkham Hills, and 10,366 in Greystanes.
Modelling from the government state someone who spends a weekly average of $200 on tolls will receive $7280 back in rebates.
NSW Roads Minister John Graham said the policy would give targeted “cost-of-living relief to families”.
“Motorists in western Sydney where access to public transport alternatives are more limited than in other areas will benefit the most from this targeted toll relief,” he said.
“The era of the Liberal Party’s obsession with privatisation, which has led to ‘toll mania’ is over and we will continue to look at ways to make the toll network more equitable for all with the assistance of the independent Toll Review being led by Professor Allan Fels, one of the toughest customers out there.”
He also issued a warning to anyone looking to take advantage of the system.
“The toll cap criteria has been designed very carefully to prevent anyone trying to game it. We are working with rideshare companies to ensure work trips are not claimed,” he said.
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