The National Road Transport Association (NatRoad) has voiced its support of proposed reforms to what it calls an “oppressive road toll system” in New South Wales.
The NSW government has announced new legislation looking to amend the current road toll system in the state, including creating a new state-owned tolling entity NSW Motorways to oversee a reformed network.
As part of the proposal, an independent pricing watchdog known as IPART would monitor toll prices and work towards establishing a new independent, industry-wide tolling customer ombudsman.
NatRoad CEO Warren Clark says the association has been calling for these changes to the state’s toll system for several years, meaning he’s pleased to see the recommendations coming into effect in NSW.
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“What was announced is in line with what NatRoad has been calling for over six years. I’m pleased to see so many of our recommendations finally being taken up,” Clark says.
“The recognition from NSW minister John Graham that Sydney is the most tolled place on Earth is also important.
“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 on tolls annually. Multiple operators are spending over a million.
“Our members don’t have a choice but to pay the tolls, and small businesses operating on tight margins do not have the economic bargaining power to simply pass on all higher costs.”
While introducing independent price monitoring is an important step, Clark says it must soon be followed by further reform.
“Ultimately we need a system where new tolls must be subject to independent regulation and the heavy vehicle toll multiplier is reduced to be more reflective of actual costs,” Clark says.
“We need to see multiple trip discounts, off-peak incentivised pricing and a clear commitment to reduce business costs and the cost of living.
“Unfortunately, even with the introduction of these proposed reforms, for now, road users will still pay the same price at the toll booth.”
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