The NSW Government will weigh up benefits to Central Coast commuters as it considers the final report of the Independent Toll Review handed down by Professor Allan Fels and Dr David Cousins this week.
The report exposes the full impact of toll road privatisation by the former government, and shows how Central Coast drivers could save money under the scenarios it modelled
The report highlights Sydney's toll road network is a poorly-functioning patchwork of numerous different price structures that will cost motorists $195 billion in nominal terms in tolls over the next three and a half decades on top of the billions they have already paid.
The report notes the lack of a unified tolling system has created complexity, inefficiency, inequities and unfairness.
There are a range of recommendations presented to Government by Professor Fels and Dr Cousins for consideration including:
- Tolls should be based on a declining distance basis charged on a per kilometre basis but with the per kilometre rate declining the greater the distance travelled. This would deliver greater fairness to motorists in the Central Coast.
- Two-way tolling on the two current Harbour crossings and the Eastern Distributor, with this additional revenue gained being put into the lowering of tolls on the remainder of the network. This will also ensure a consistent tolling and traffic integration approach when the Western Harbour tunnel opens around 2028.
- Decisions on toll setting should be overseen by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).
The NSW Government will now consider the report and respond in due course.
The NSW Government is committed to reforming Sydney's toll network to restore fairness, simplicity and transparency to the system and put the interests of motorists above those of private investors.
The Toll Review confirms this will be a complex task but one that the state must embark on as the Government provides essential cost-of-living relief through Labor's $60 toll cap.
Full final report of the Independent Toll Review: https://www.treasury.nsw.gov.au/toll-review
Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said:
"Central Coast commuters pay more than most, with a one-way trip into Sydney via toll roads costing close to $30 in peak times.
"The NSW Government has just received the report and we need to consider it closely before making any decisions, however I, and my fellow Central Coast Labor MPs will be working to ensure Central Coast commuters benefit from any moves to make the tolling system simpler and fairer.
"The previous Liberal Government became addicted to tolls and the Labor Government introduced toll relief, beginning with the $60 toll cap that has been helping Central Coast commuters."
