NorthConnex toll-free period: Transport Minister rejects calls for ‘time to adjust’
It is the multibillion-dollar tunnel expected to open in a matter of weeks, but will Roads Minister Andrew Constance install a toll-free period on NorthConnex? SEE HIS ANSWER HERE.
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A bid to install a toll-free period for tens of thousands of commuters on new motorways — including the soon-to-be completed NorthConnex — has been knocked back by NSW Roads Minister Andrew Constance who argued it would jeopardise financial agreements.
Opposition leader Jodi McKay called for the NSW Government to introduce a mandatory toll-free period on all new toll roads in NSW for cars and trucks.
Ms McKay said it was up to the Roads Minister to determine the length of time the toll-free period would be in place, but support a 15-year campaign from the NRMA for a month toll-free period.
“The toll-free period should be taking into consideration the economic circumstances at that particular time,” Ms McKay said.
“So, if you look at the pandemic and the recession we are in right now, that would play into the decision.”
The opposition leader called for the government to agree to the bill before “NorthConnex, and all other toll roads” open, arguing it was “common sense” and a no-brainer.
Tolls installed on the M5 East will result in an extra $3300 for regular users of the road each year, while truckies will be slugged an extra $14000 a year, with annual 4 per cent increases on each toll road imposed for the next 20 years.
More than 10,000 people signed a recent Parliamentary petition for the installation of a toll-free period, with Ms McKay arguing drivers “need time to adapt”.
The future toll on NorthConnex, which will be mandatory for all truck drivers to reduce congestion on Pennant Hills Rd, will be $7.91 each way for cars and a massive $23.71 for heavy vehicles.
If Trucks and buses refuse to use the toll, they will be slugged with a $194 fine.
Mr Constance hit back at the Labor campaign, telling parliament the reason tollways have been installed were to “get major pieces of infrastructure built generations a head of time”.
“We are investing in major pinch-points across the road network with billions and billions of dollars over the next four years,” he said.
“In terms of toll free periods, as Minister I can put a toll-free period now, I don’t need legislation.”
Mr Constance said parties like Transurban would “factor in” the cost of a toll-free period into future contracts with the NSW Government in the future, suggesting the price of infrastructure projects would dramatically increase.
“This bill is overriding existing commercial arrangements,” he said. “Imagine how the existing roll network would currently operate if we did not have toll roads in Sydney — because, let me tell you it wouldn’t be good.”
Mr Constance continues to refrain from announcing the date the $3 billion NorthConnex project would open, suggesting the tunnel would be active in “a few weeks”.