Brisbane toll dodgers in debt almost $3m

Brazen motorists are repeatedly and deliberately dodging this responsibility, costing Brisbane City Council almost $3 million – which is passed on to ratepayers.

Brisbane’s brazen toll dodgers are repeatedly and deliberately disregarding invoices and ducking millions of dollars in debt, and ratepayers are shouldering the burden.

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Despite toll road traffic decreasing by up to 39 per cent during the pandemic, more than 15,800 unpaid toll notices were issued in the last financial year for trips on the Clem7 and Legacy Way tunnels and the Go Between Bridge.

The infringements amount to almost $3 million in unclaimed revenue, which council said was impacting its ability to deliver future transport projects.

Documents obtained by The Courier-Mail reveal that almost $500,000 of those infringements were issued to repeat offenders that council said were “letting down all of the Brisbane residents”.

Brisbane toll dodgers are refusing to pay their way on Legacy Way, Clem7 and the Go Between Bridge. Picture: Supplied

“The outstanding debt from these motorists is deliberate,” a council spokesman said.

Brisbane’s most brazen toll dodger – the driver of a Mitsubishi challenger – had themselves amassed more than $3,300 in fines from 18 infringements in the last financial year alone.

The Courier-Mail previously revealed that the coronavirus had torn a $200 million hole in Brisbane City Council’s budget, causing pauses in services and delays in playground carpark upgrades and other projects.

A council spokesman said toll dodgers were further impacting its ability to improve Brisbane’s infrastructure.

“Every dollar they don’t pay impacts on council’s ability to invest in future transport projects,” they said.

The majority of fines were issued for trips on the Legacy Way – 6707 of which remained outstanding.

Motorists travelling through the Legacy Way Tunnel, which has amassed more that 6700 unpaid trips last financial year. Picture: supplied.

Clem7 motorists had recorded 5600 in unpaid trips – worth almost $30,00 based off car toll pricing.

The least amount of infringements, 3518, occurred on the Go Between Bridge.

“We remind motorists to do the right thing …. pay up. We shouldn’t have to chase you to pay a for toll road you chose to take.”

Cars travelling along the Go Between Bridge, connecting Milton to West End. Pic Jono Searle.

Council’s toll roads are managed by Transurban, who issue toll invoices to motorists for any unpaid trips.

“If this is not paid, council will contact the customer about the matter and arrange payment,” a council spokesman said.

“Unsuccessful” debts are referred to the State Penalties Enforcement Register (SPER) which has the ability to suspend licenses, “immobilise” vehicles with parking clamps and retrieve owed amounts from wages and bank accounts among other powers.

Impact of 2019-20 toll dodgers

15,825 infringement notices, worth $2901614 in fines

Legacy Way: 6707 unpaid trips

Clem7: 5600 unpaid trips

Go Between Bridge: 3518 unpaid trips