By ISABELLA GIBBS
The New South Wales Government has announced a toll increase for the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Tunnel, marking the first adjustment for the roadways in over 14 years. The tolls, set to rise by 6.8 percent, will take effect on October 29, 2023, as part of the government’s efforts to bring greater equity to the state’s motorists.
This increase comes after the recent announcement of a $60 toll cap and the ongoing Independent Toll Review led by Professor Allan Fels. The additional revenue generated from the toll hike will be directed towards the governments toll relief Budget package, which is expected to benefit up to 720,000 drivers and is valued at $561 million over two years.
Commuters across Sydney have seen the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Tunnel tolls locked at $4.00 during peak times, $3.00 during off-peak hours, and $2.50 at night since January 2009.
Starting on October 29, these tolls will increase to $4.27 during peak hours, $3.20 during off-peak hours, and $2.67 at night.
Minster for Roads, John Graham said, “no toll increase is ever welcome, but this increase is helping to provide toll relief to other drivers. The NSW Government believes it is appropriate for these tolls to be adjusted higher at a time when we are focused on providing greater equity across the toll road network, no matter what your postcode.”
He continued, “drivers in Western Sydney who have little choice but to use motorways for their commute and family travel have endured annual – and in many cases quarterly – toll increases since 2009 while the Bridge and Tunnel tolls remained fixed.”
“Toll revenue is helping us target toll relief to where it is needed most, with suburbs like Kellyville, Silverwater, Blacktown, Quakers Hill, Rosehill and Gosford among those where the most motorists will claim cash back of an average of up to $540 a year. All extra revenue will be used to this end.”
For frequent Sydney CBD commuters, the increase has raised concerns. Among them, Luke Gioffre says, “the toll increase means I’ll have to budget more for my weekend trips into the city. It might not be a huge increase, but every dollar counts, especially when it’s a regular expense.”
The toll adjustment will be made through a Ministerial Order under the Roads Act 1993. It is important to note that Bridge and Tunnel tolls are legally required to undergo annual reviews, taking into account recent inflation rates, which had not taken place over the past twelve years.
