Nearly 1,000 drivers facing toll costs over $10,000—is reform coming soon?

Navigating the roads of New South Wales can be costly, and for nearly 1,000 drivers, the price of travel has hit the roof, with annual toll bills soaring to $10,000 or more.

This staggering figure has left many motorists in shock and disbelief as the financial burden of simply getting from A to B becomes increasingly heavy.


These eye-watering expenses were revealed in newly released individual e-toll data, which, for the first time, shed light on the exact toll costs shouldered by NSW drivers.

Among the most affected are dozens of account holders who spend over $30,000 annually on tolls alone and 901 drivers who spend between $10,000 and $20,000 annually.


1726459666667.png
Nearly 1,000 NSW drivers spend over $10,000 a year on tolls, with some paying more than $30,000. Credit: Shutterstock


This data, sourced from the government-owned e-toll provider servicing more than 1.4 million users, has excluded business accounts and private account holders with more than three tags linked.

However, the true scale of the issue may be even greater, as the figures do not account for users with tags from the privately owned toll provider Linkt.

The breakdown of toll usage between 1 July 2023 and 30 June 2024 highlighted WestConnex as the most frequented toll road, with 43 per cent of motorists using it.


The M7 was followed by theM5, which had 16 per cent, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Tunnel, which had 12 per cent, and the M2, which had 8 percent.

Collectively, NSW drivers are pouring a whopping $2.5 billion a year into tolls, a sum that has prompted urgent calls for reform.

Roads Minister John Graham has voiced his concern, stating that the data clearly indicate that the state's toll system requires immediate attention.

‘The toll bills at the upper end of the scale are eye-watering in their magnitude and only reinforce the pressing need for toll reform in Sydney,’ he said.

‘We have nearly 1000 motorists whose annual spend on tolls is in excess of $10,000, which is a significant impost no matter who you are—but the fact is that the drivers paying these sky-high bills are in our western suburbs or central coast where people can least afford it.’


This measure includes a rebate of up to $340 for personal toll trips in a private vehicle registered in NSW.

Despite this relief, Minister Graham acknowledges that more work is needed to overhaul the toll system.

Projections indicate that, if left unchecked, the toll network could cost motorists an astronomical $195 billion over the next 35 years.

‘Toll reform is critical for Sydney, and this is a once-in-a-generation chance to address it while we continue to offer vital toll relief through the $60 toll cap,’ Mr Graham continued.

‘Sydney is a place in which people make choices about where they work and how they get around based on the need to avoid paying tolls.’

‘The problem grows each year. Over decades, it will become unsustainable, and we must act now to create a fairer system.’


In other news, Aussie drivers are reminded they can claim up to $1,552 in rebates from the NSW government for toll road usage since July 2022.

To claim, drivers should log into their Service NSW account and select the 'claim your toll rebate' option. You can read more about it here.
Key Takeaways
  • Nearly 1000 motorists in NSW are incurring annual toll expenses of over $10,000, with a subset paying more than $30,000.
  • The data released by the government-owned e-toll provider ignores business accounts and private users with multiple tags but indicates Western Sydney residents are most affected.
  • The NSW government identifies a total spend of $2.5 billion on tolls yearly in the state and recognises the need for urgent toll reform.
  • The NSW government has introduced a $60 toll cap and rebate system. It acknowledges the significance of creating a fairer toll system to manage the projected $195 billion toll costs over the next 35 years.
Are you one of the nearly 1,000 NSW drivers facing hefty annual toll bills? How do you think the NSW government should address the rising toll costs? Let us know in the comments below.
 
  • Sad
Reactions: DLHM
Sponsored
Absolutely ridiculous. Isn't taxes, car rego, etc supposed to pay for roads, why should there be tolls.
I know we don't have as big a population as NSW, but our state of WA is 3.2 times bigger than NSW and we have to travel much longer distances and there are no toll roads in this state.
No wonder so many people are moving from the eastern states to Perth.
 
Yes there needs to be a commission. Investigating into these people involved
A comparison I live in Melbourne with a LINKT Account
In my last travels I drove in a motor home 2.9 mt high to Queenland via Sydney three different states all with one Linkt Account
Melbourne normal rate Queensland normal rate
But Sydney with a height restriction of 2.7 mt
Charges everybody with a caravan and a motor home over 2.7
Bdouble truck rates in my case $138 return
Melbourne and Brisbane $ 39
When I questioned the operator basically said tough that’s it
So the height regulations are bordering on corruption as the people who set the measurement would know that the aircon on all the vehicles in question encroach on the 2.7 mt
But would NOT. at 2.8
So because of 100 ml. Price is almost double
It’s hard to think it’s just not another goverment cash grab
 
  • Sad
Reactions: DLHM and Cheezil
Thankfully WA has no road tolls. We don’t have the population for the government to warrant that.

Unfortunately the Perth’s population is climbing. As it is, the roads can’t keep up with the increasing traffic.
No toll roads in Tasmania either
 
  • Like
Reactions: DLHM
How did these people drive to work etc before the toll roads were built. At $30,000 a year it might be time to move to a different suburb, or find a new job. Even if I could afford that amount, there's no way I would pay it. That's a yearly first class holiday going begging.
 
In Sydney - different roads have different tolls. Apparently in Vic. all roads are the same.
 

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's Australia
  5. Food and Lifestyle
  6. Money Saving Hacks
  7. Offtopic / Everything else

Latest Articles

  • We believe that retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, not worry about money. That's why we're here to help our members make the most of their retirement years. If you're over 60 and looking for ways to save money, connect with others, and have a laugh, we’d love to have you aboard.
  • Advertise with us

User Menu

Enjoyed Reading our Story?

  • Share this forum to your loved ones.
Change Weather Postcode×
Change Petrol Postcode×