‘HIGHWAY ROBBERY’: TWU DEMANDS SYDNEY TOLL SYSTEM OVERHAUL AFTER $195 BILLION BURDEN REVEALED

Sydney’s out of control toll road crisis has reached new heights with the release of an independent review which has 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 Transport Workers Union of NSW condemns the findings by former ACCC chair Allan Fels, as the ongoing increases in the costs of toll roads creates an enormous financial burden for all transport workers. While just about every operating cost for owner-drivers has steadily increased over the years, none has increased more than toll roads.

The TWU NSW echoes Professor Fels statements, who made it clear “tolls need a big shake up. Major reforms, no holds barred and the New South Wales Government needs to take back control of tolls.”

TWU NSW/QLD State Secretary Richard Olsen says the tolling system has spiraled out of control, placing an unbearable burden on our transport workers and it has become “highway robbery for transport workers.”

“It’s high time for major reforms that prioritise the livelihoods of owner-drivers over corporate profits. The New South Wales Government must step up and take decisive action to rein in the exorbitant toll costs.”

“The current trajectory is unsustainable and unjust and the tolling companies’ exploitation of drivers must end. We demand immediate action to overhaul the system and better the well-being of transport workers.”

Professor Fels’ report comes only a month after Transurban’s reported a net profit of $230 million in the six months leading up to December 31.

Coupled with relentless toll increases every quarter, the TWU underscores tolling companies’ callous disregard for the financial strain and hardships endured by drivers as their gains come as exploitative and to the detriment of the trucking industry and those working in it.

MEDIA CONTACT: Adam Jacobson – 0405 625 208