The Transport Workers Union (TWU) welcomes the recent independent review of New South Wales’ toll road network. Chaired by former ACCC head Allan Fels, the review offers a potential solution to an exploitative system that has long disadvantaged owner-drivers and the transport industry.
The report presents several recommendations to address these inequities. One notable suggestion is the introduction of a Middle Class Heavy Vehicle classification. This classification applies to vehicles that are not cars or motorbikes, measure 3.3 metres or less in height, and are 12.5 metres or less in length. The goal is to reduce the toll multiplier for these vehicles from three times that of a car to two times, ensuring fairer pricing for heavy vehicles using Sydney’s toll network.
Implementing this new tolling category would benefit owner-operators of smaller heavy vehicles. These operators, already struggling with a cost-of-living crisis, would face more equitable charges for their essential role in maintaining Sydney’s mobility.
The TWU also supports establishing a government-owned special authority to enhance transparency and accountability over the toll network. This recommendation comes from an earlier independent review from March. The review projected motorists will pay $195 billion in tolls by 2060, with much of this revenue benefiting private companies over drivers’ needs. More than half of this revenue is expected to come from WestConnex concessions, highlighting the urgent need for reform.
The report also warns about the introduction of heavy vehicle multipliers on Sydney’s harbour crossings, which could increase costs for trucks and owner-operators using these routes.
A declining distance-based pricing structure is proposed as the foundation of network tolling. This means the further a vehicle travels, the lower the tolling costs. However, this approach would only marginally reduce toll cost pressures for heavy vehicles in the long term. To address frequent usage, the review suggests implementing a heavy vehicle toll cap.
Fels’ recommendations, particularly lowering the toll multiplier for Middle Class Heavy Vehicles, represent a step toward fairness and financial relief for owner-operators. The review exposes the prioritization of private profits over motorists. With billions projected in tolls over the next 40 years, the case for reforms is clear. The significant revenue from WestConnex concessions further highlights the need for a fairer system.
The TWU urges the NSW Labor government to prioritize the road transport industry’s needs and create a more equitable toll network. The TWU is ready to collaborate with the government to implement these recommendations. Ensuring that owner-drivers and the transport industry are no longer subject to an unjust tolling system is essential. These overdue reforms are necessary for fairness and equity in the toll road network.
