Drivers to get free rego if they spend more than $25 a week on tolls
DRIVERS who spend more than $25 a week on tolls will be eligible for free car registration under a cash splash by the State Government to tackle the cost of living pressures.
NSW
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- Sydney commuters spending more than $8000 PA on tolls
- M4 western suburbs commuters slugged more for tolls
DRIVERS who spend more than $25 a week on tolls will be eligible for free car registration under a cash splash by the NSW Government to tackle the cost of living pressures.
Drivers will be eligible if they outlay $25 a week on average over a 12-month period, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced today.
“The majority of eligible motorists will save $358 a year on registration costs with potential savings of $715 a year,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Motorists feeling the heat on tolls can breathe a sigh of relief
“This is an acknowledgment by us as a government that we are doing well and where we can, every opportunity, we can to give back to households we will.”
She said the government’s “strong budget position” allowed it to “give back to toll users”.
The scheme, which will come into effect on July 1, 2018, will include all eligible cars, utes, 4WDs and motorbikes.
The plan could cost the NSW government more than $100 million a year, the premier told reporters in Sydney on Monday, but said “we don’t mind”.
“It could be up to that ($100 million) amount. It could be more than amount into the future — this is a growing cost for government but we know we can afford it,” she said.
“We will be able to tell you a bit more once this first year is finished.
“It could affect people’s behaviour. For example this could bring people back onto roads they haven’t previously used — it’s a behaviour shifter.”
Ms Berejiklian said she did not believe the decision would affect the funding of future road projects.
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The plan, which takes in existing toll roads, will also apply to new toll roads built in the future, such as WestConnex in what the premier called an “extra icing on the cake”.
WestConnex and Western Sydney Minister Stuart Ayres said the program will also be backdated to July 1 this year.
“We want NSW road users to start enjoying the savings as soon as possible, so when the scheme kicks in we will include historic road payments,” he said.
“This delivers a fair go for drivers.”
Drivers who use the M5 will continue to have access to the existing Cashback scheme.