Toowoomba Second Range Crossing toll price 'fair' for cars

THE Toowoomba Second Range Crossing toll price for cars is "affordable and appropriate", the State's peak motoring body says.

Nexus. Toowoomba Second Range Crossing. Picture: Above Photography PTY LTD

THE Toowoomba Second Range Crossing toll price for cars is "affordable and appropriate", the State's peak motoring body says.

RACQ head of public policy Dr Rebecca Michael said the club was pleased the State Government had struck the right balance between maintaining the infrastructure and making it affordable for drivers.

"This is a fully funded road project, with both the Federal and State Government contributing $1.6 billion towards construction, and the toll is only meant to cover the ongoing maintenance of the road," Dr Michael said.

"It's crucial the Government gets the economics right and we think the toll price is at an appropriate and reasonable level for such a considerable length of road.

"Where drivers see value in a toll road, they'll reward it with patronage and at $2.30 per trip we're confident the price is right."

Dr Michael said the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing would not only reduce travel time but would also improve road safety outcomes.

"We know toll roads are generally high quality roads with AusRAP safety ratings of at least four stars, so for motorists the Second Range Crossing will not only get them home sooner but safer," she said.

"It's up to every driver to decide if the toll is worth the savings in time, but we'd hope those who can afford it will also see the safety benefits of travelling on a high quality road."

The Chronicle exclusively revealed this morning it would cost motorists just $2.30 to drive on the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing.

Queensland Transport Minister Mark Bailey said trucks would pay $22.85, light commercial vehicles $5.70, cars $2.30 and motorbikes $1.15.

Originally published as Toowoomba Second Range Crossing toll price 'fair' for cars