Scathing report calls for NSW government price-setting entity
A long-awaited review of Sydney’s road toll system has recommended the government lower tolls for most motorists. The review overseen by former ACCC Chair Allan Fels has found the system disproportionately impacts western Sydney drivers.
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00:00The final report from the Independent Toll Review urges the government to take control
00:05of the city's tolls by introducing a state-owned body that has the power to control toll prices.
00:11It says it could then use this body to introduce a uniform price reduction on all of the city's
00:17motorways.
00:18The report also recommends declining distance rates, which would see the rate charged to
00:22a motorist for every kilometre decrease the further they travel.
00:26This means motorists travelling from Campbelltown in Sydney's south-west could save up to $13
00:31on a trip to the CBD, relieving pressure on local commuters.
00:35Well to be honest they are a bit too high, I don't take tolls.
00:38I take all the back roads, so something needs to change.
00:43We should pay less for everybody, because they're just wasting more money on us.
00:49When we're working, mainly when we're working, we go everywhere, to Campbelltown, from Campbelltown
00:54to the city, to the other side of the city, and tolls becoming expensive either way, so
01:03it should be looked at from both sides.
01:05But it's not all good news for motorists.
01:07The report also recommends two-way tolls on harbour crossings and the cross-city tunnel.
01:13The government says that it is open to new legislation, but that it hopes to negotiate
01:17with private operators trans-urban first.
01:20Now trans-urban say they are open to those negotiations, but that they have some reservations
01:24around key reforms.
01:25Meanwhile Professor Fells says he hopes the legislation can be passed by Christmas.