The Telegraph reported on 15 September that a car owner in NSW had accumulated a staggering $107,000 in tolls, with a debut release of bill data revealing just how costly a road toll system is for drivers and taxpayers.
The Minns government has released the original bills for the top 1,000 car owners in toll spending, and is ready to begin negotiations with toll operator Transurban on a fairer system.
According to the list, tolls are particularly high for some people, with Road Commissioner John Graham saying "the amount is staggering".
Under the current scheme, motorists using vehicles registered as private use can claim up to $340 per week for cashback per licence.
(Image source: The Telegraph)
In addition, under the original fare reduction scheme, motorists who spend more than $402 per week can receive up to $802 in cash back per year. However, they must pay the toll first and then wait until the end of the quarter to apply for a refund.
This list shows the original toll bills that did not receive cashback, and the data also reveals exactly where the people who use toll roads most often live.
(Image source: The Telegraph)
The vast majority of them are from Western Sydney and the outer suburbs, with some coming from the Central Coast. Outside of those areas, the highest on the list is number 42, with a motorist from Newport in North Beach amassing $25,914.
The Minns government wants to make it fairer for Western Sydney motorists by reforming the toll system. Whether and in what form the so-called $60 cap will be retained will be part of this review.
(Image source: The Telegraph)
The data also revealed the most commonly used toll roads in NSW, with WestConnex ranking first, followed by M7, M5, Harbour Bridge and Tunnel, and M2.
Without applying for relief, tolls totalling approximately $2.5 billion per year.