‘Disappointing’: Toowoomba bypass tolls to increase in days

It’s going to cost Darling Downs residents more money to bypass Toowoomba on the second range crossing, with prices set to increase in a matter of days. Details here.

RACQ has reignited its calls for the State Government to freeze vehicle registration increases as the cost to motorists had risen by more than 13 per cent over the last five years

Queensland’s leading motoring body has revealed tolls on the Toowoomba Bypass will increase fractionally come July 1.

For motorists, the tolls on the Toowoomba Bypass will increase from $2.34 to $2.38 and for motorcyclists, prices will increase from $1.17 to $1.19.

This comes as vehicle and driver's licence registration fees have been tipped to increase by 1.7 per cent.

RACQ spokeswoman Lauren Ritchie called on the State Government to freeze registration increases as the cost to motorists had risen by more than 12 per cent since 2017.

“Drivers will yet again be made to pay more for renewing their licences and will be further out of pocket to keep their vehicles registered,” Ms Ritchie said.

“Transport taxes and charges are already the third highest cost for Queensland households so it’s disappointing to see more strain being put on families, especially with many people still overcoming the financial impact of COVID-19.

“Our Transport Cost Survey shows households with more than one vehicle spend, on average, around $1,300 on registration (including CTP) per year, and we believe that these costs are becoming unaffordable for many.”

Ms Ritchie warned drivers would also pay a higher price for breaking the law on our roads.

“The State Government’s penalty unit is increasing by 3.3 per cent, moving to $137.85, which means if you’re caught driving 13km/h to 20km/h over the speed limit you’ll face a $275 fine, so it pays to drive safely and obey the road rules.”