Navigating the bustling streets and highways of Australia's major cities can come at a hefty price, with a report revealing that Australians are shelling out over $3 billion annually to travel on toll roads.

This figure is not just a number on a page; it represents a significant financial burden for many motorists, particularly in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, where toll roads are a common feature of the urban landscape.

The ABC's Four Corners program conducted an extensive investigation into the costs associated with these toll roads, uncovering the financial strain they place on Australian drivers.

The majority of these toll roads are owned by Transurban, a dominant player in the toll road industry.

Aussies are reportedly spending over $3 billion on toll roads yearly. Credit: Shutterstock

Transurban's portfolio includes Melbourne’s CityLink, Sydney’s M2 Hills Motorway, Lane Cove Tunnel, M5 South-West, and Cross City Tunnel, and it has a significant stake in Brisbane's toll road network.

The financial year of 2023-24 saw Transurban's revenue from Australian toll roads soar to $3.283 billion, a notable increase from the $2.437 billion recorded during the 2021-22 period, which was impacted by lockdowns.

This rise in revenue is indicative of the growing expense of using toll roads for everyday Australians.

For those commuting in Sydney, the toll road costs can consume a substantial portion of their income.

A motorist travelling from Wollondilly to the CBD could spend up to 17 per cent of their average income on tolls alone.

The situation is even more dire for commuters from the Sutherland Shire or Liverpool, with toll expenses reaching up to 20 per cent of their average income for trips to Hornsby.

Melbourne commuters are not spared from these high costs either.

Those travelling from the Mornington Peninsula and Greater Dandenong to the CBD, using a combination of Transurban's CityLink and the ConnectEast consortium's EastLink, can expect to part with almost 12 per cent of their average income on tolls.

Brisbane's toll roads, also predominantly owned by Transurban, have a lesser impact on commuters to the city, with the highest toll costs affecting those from Bribie Island and Caboolture, at about 6.5 per cent of their annual income.

However, those commuting to the airport from areas like Ipswich, Forest Lake, and Oxley face toll costs of 12 per cent of their annual income.

The financial pressure of toll roads is set to intensify, with costs expected to rise in line with the consumer price index and inflation.

Even during low inflation, motorists face a minimum price increase of 4 per cent due to contracts between Transurban and New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland state governments.

Transurban is currently in discussions with the New South Wales government to reform the state's toll road network following an independent review.

The outcome of these discussions could have significant implications for the future of toll road pricing and the financial impact on Australian motorists.

Key Takeaways

• Australians are paying a substantial amount, over $3 billion annually, to utilise toll roads in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
• Nearly all of these toll roads are owned by the private company Transurban, which has seen a significant revenue increase in the 2023-24 financial year.
• The cost of using toll roads can account for as much as 20 per cent of an average motorist’s income in some areas, significantly impacting commuters' finances.
• Toll road costs are anticipated to continue to rise, with increases linked to the consumer price index or a fixed minimum hike of four per cent, as per contracts with state governments.

Have you felt the pinch of these costs in your daily commute? Do you believe there are alternative solutions to funding our road infrastructure that could alleviate the financial burden on drivers? Join the conversation in the comments below.

 

[DaddyRon]

Toll roads are plain extortion and should be illegal.
We already pay to use the roads through licencing and registration !!
Privatisation of anything is just a scam, and lines the pockets of corrupt politicians and public service bureaucrats!!

 

[Wayneo]

I can still hear John brumby telling us these new toll roads are going to save us time and money. And the advertising on the radio telling us every time our toll tags beep it’s saving us money what flogs.

 

[Iggydi]

Many years ago the government built the Sunshine Coast motorway. A toll was applied and it was bigger than any other toll road. The residents boycotted it and they had to take the toll off and it has been free ever since.

 

[Luckyus]

If I need to get anywhere in a hurry, I go by ambulance?

 

[Tigers]

are ALL toll roads, MAINTAINED to a HIGH standard.??. I am just SOoooooo, glad (at the moment, anyway). that i live in Adelaide. (AT THE MOMENT we have NO TOLL ROADS) ........COULD THESE OTHER STATES, governments RUN & MAINTAIN these road networks, (WITHOUT A TOLL.???

 

[SGH]

I spent a week in Sydney a few months ago and easily paid over a couple of hundred dollars just on the tolls. The most annoying part is you are stuck in a carpark, the traffic doesn't move in peak hour and you have paid for the privilege of sitting there wasting petrol. The tolls are only meant to stay on until the road has been paid for, however, we certainly know how that works, just look at the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

 

[Cheezil]

Country Vic roads are a bloody disgrace & makes us all wonder where or why our money is only spent on city/metro roads, we exist out here too!
I for one rarely ever use city/metro/suburban roads maybe once in 5 or 10yrs even-

I'm sure not getting bang for my buck & I bet a lot of other people arent either!