Sydney suburbs that benefit the most from free registration

NSW motorists have been quick to take advantage of a new scheme rolled out by state government.

Peak hour traffic moves along the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Sydney.

Northwest Sydney residents are the biggest winners from the NSW Government’s free car registration program. However, a swanky postcode nearly tops the list.

The scheme started on July 1 and entitles motorists to free registration when they spend more than $25 a week or $1300 a year on tolls on a single tag.

The Toll Relief Program can hand up to $729 back to drivers each year.

More than 3000 vehicles have received free registration in the first week.

Baulkham Hills leads the pack with 89 drivers taking advantage of the scheme, the benefits totalling $36,200.

The next largest uptake is in the northwest — Castle Hill and Kellyville with 82 and 71 participants respectively.

The northwest suburbs are serviced by the M2 and M7 toll roads.

Residents of Sydney’s northwest who use the M2 and M7 motorways have benefited the most.

Drivers from well-heeled Mosman were the fourth largest group to benefit from the free registration with 58 residents receiving $25,200 worth of benefits.

Western Sydney suburbs were the other big winners with Blacktown, St Clair and Glenwood residents making the top 10.

The government expects about 100,000 drivers to receive free rego with an average saving of about $423. This means the scheme is expected to cost more than $42m in its first year alone.

“The numbers speak for themselves — drivers simply love the Toll Relief program. We expect about 100,000 drivers across NSW to benefit, with those in western and northwestern Sydney set to be the greatest beneficiaries,” says Premier Gladys Berejiklian.

“The average saving so far has been $423 and the Government has done the heavy lifting to make claiming free rego simple and easy — either online or in person.”

Finance minister Victor Dominello says drivers who are not aware of the program will not miss out.

“Drivers can simply add their licence plate number to their toll account, then during the registration renewal process Service NSW will tell you if get a free car rego,” he says.

“Even drivers who are not aware that they are eligible will not miss out, as they will be informed when they renew online.”

TOP 10 SUBURBS

Baulkham Hills — 89 (drivers)/$36,200 (total benefits)

Castle Hill — 82/$34,500

Kellyville — 71/$30,300

Mosman — 58/$25,200

Quakers Hill — 47/$18,700

West Pennant Hills — 42/18,400

Blacktown — 42/$17,400

St Clair — 36/$15,100

Cherrybrook — 34/$14,900

Glenwood — 31/$13,400