Baulkham Hills Labor candidate Ryan Tracey rallies for M2 cashback scheme

Labor Party candidate for Baulkham Hills and Hills councillor Ryan Tracey has come out all guns blazing on the election campaign — with a promise to advocate for a cashback for the M2 Motorway.

Traffic on the M2. Baulkham Hills Labor candidate Ryan Tracey is promising to advocate for a cashback system to be installed.

• Labor’s bid to rid Cherrybrook of Priority Precinct
• Baulkham Hills state Labor candidate calls for underpass
• Baulkham Hills business owners battle government over bus lane

Labor Party candidate for Baulkham Hills and Hills councillor Ryan Tracey has come out all guns blazing on the election campaign — with a promise to advocate for a cashback for the M2 Motorway.

Mr Tracey is promising toll road users he would advocate for a Labor Government to match the M4 cashback commitment made earlier this year, with a similar style rebate for Baulkham Hills residents.

Baulkham Hills Labor Candidate Ryan Tracey will advocate for a Labor Government to bring in a cashback system for the M2 Motorway. Picture: AAP Image/Jordan Shields

“If I was elected in March next year, I would be a strong advocate for cashback on the M2 Motorway to help reduce the financial burdens that are faced by residents in The Hills,” Mr Tracey told the Times.

“Users of the M2 Motorway are made up of thousands of Baulkham Hills residents and they should be treated equally alongside other toll users.”

Statistics show that 7500 residents of Baulkham Hills and Bella Vista would benefit from an M4 cashback — Labor’s response to the Liberal party’s reintroduction of the M4 toll earlier this year.

Traffic on the M2 queued back to the start of the M7 motorway.

Mr Tracey admitted costing for an M2 toll cashback scheme has not been conducted.

“However, Labor is well aware of the advocacy work I am undertaking for my constituents,” he said.

‘I will be rallying for more community awareness and fairness when it comes to our tolls.”

In July, former Opposition Leader Luke Foley announced a toll cashback scheme that would allow drivers on the M4 to claim a rebate on their $4.74 toll.

Baulkham Hills state Liberal MP David Elliott said there was no evidence to suggest that a cashback will reduce commuter times, “in fact it is probable it would do nothing by increase congestion on the M2”.

Baulkham Hills state Liberal MP David Elliott hit back at the suggestion. Picture: AAP Image/Joel Carrett

“The government is very conscious on the cost of living and pressures on Hills families, which is why we have introduced free and discounted registration for toll road users,” Mr Elliott said.

“But when you consider that the Coalition Government will be opening more infrastructure in The Hills shire over the next 16 months than Labor built in its 16 year term — I am very suspicious about Mr Tracey’s uncosted election promises.

“I am also hopeful that the extra options for commuters via the Sydney Metro northwest will reduce the price of commuting to the city for Hills residents in the not-to-distant future.