TWU NSW WELCOMES ALLAN FELS’ INDEPENDENT REVIEW INTO A FAIRER TOLLING SYSTEM

The Transport Workers’ Union of NSW is welcoming the recommendation by the Independent Toll Review final report – chaired by former ACCC chair Allan Fels – to implement a middle class heavy vehicle classification. 

This classification would provide fairer pricing for heavy vehicles using Sydney’s toll network by lowering drivers’ toll multiplier from three times that of a car to two times. The Mid Class Heavy Vehicle classification defines this as a vehicle which is:

• Not a car or motorbike,
• 3.3 metres or less in height and;
• 12.5 metres or less in length.

If implemented, this new tolling category will mean owner-operators of smaller heavy vehicles who are already suffering amongst a cost of living crisis, will no longer be unfairly charged for doing their essential service of keeping Sydney moving. 

Additionally, the TWU is in favour of recommendations to establish a government-owned special authority – a NSW Motorways entity – tasked with the responsibility of improving outcomes and transparency for motorists and to strengthen government and accountability on the toll network.  

This follows an independent review published in March which revealed motorists will pay $195 billion in tolls between now and 2060 and that the finances of private companies are being prioritised at the cost of drivers. The recently released Independent Toll Review has stated over half of this will be collected from WestConnex concessions, highlighting the urgent need for these reforms. 

The TWU believes the potential introduction of heavy vehicle multipliers on Sydney’s harbour crossings would significantly increase costs to trucks and owner-operators using these key gateways. 

The report proposes the government adopt a declining distance based pricing structure as the foundation of network tolling, which would mean the further a vehicle travels, the lower the tolling costs would become. 

In the long term, declining prices for heavy vehicles would only prove marginally effective and not alleviate overall toll cost pressures. Due to the frequency of usage there should be a heavy vehicle toll cap. 

TWU NSW/QLD State Secretary Richard Olsen says Fels’ recommendations are a step towards fairness. 

“Lowering the toll multiplier from three times to two times for middle class heavy vehicles recognises the essential service these drivers provide. This change would offer much-needed financial relief to owner-operators already struggling with the cost of living.” 

“The Independent Toll Review has laid bare the extent to which private company profits have been prioritised over that of motorists. With billions projected in tolls over the next 40 years, the need for reforms are clear. Over half of this amount coming from WestConnex concessions highlights the urgency for a fairer system.”

“We call on the NSW Labour government to afford further consideration to the needs of the road transport industry and heavy vehicles operating to create a more egalitarian toll network.”  

NOTES: 
In 2020, amid the pandemic, the TWU NSW made the following recommendations to the NSW government: 

• No new tolls.
• A cap on the tolls commercial vehicles pay.
• In the future, the NSW Government and Transurban will help operators of commercial vehicles facing hardship, even though Linkt and Transurban are currently refusing to do so.
• Industry agreements will include clauses that provide compensation for the costs of using toll roads.
• The government will make cost recovery easier by locking fair payment times into legislation. Transport industry businesses and owner-drivers should be paid within 30 days.
• The government can show leadership and share the responsibility for a fairer industry by ensuring all government contracts include enforceable minimum standards and rates.
  
  MEDIA CONTACT: Adam Jacobson – 0405 625 208