The NSW Premier, Dominic Perrottet’s secret new toll has been exposed after confidential documents reveal that his new Western Harbour Tunnel is only viable with new tolls.
The NSW Opposition is calling on the NSW Government to come clean about whether they will put yet another brand new toll on existing the Harbour Bridge and Tunnel, along with the Western Harbour Tunnel.
Current tolls on the existing harbour crossings are due to expire this year, but revelations today show the NSW government’s planned Western Harbour Tunnel is not financially viable without slapping new tolls with huge yearly increases into both the new road and the existing Harbour Bridge and Tunnel.
Documents reveal the assessment that the planned Western Harbour Tunnel “is not financially viable on its own, the additional value from the harbour crossings is not adequate to fund the project unless there is a material increase in toll prices with future escalation.”
Road users in NSW have consistently been slugged with 4 per cent annual toll increases – more than double the long term inflation rate – under the NSW Liberals.
In almost all the cases, toll revenue goes straight into the hands of private toll road owners, while drivers are forced to pay some of the highest tolls in the world.
Chris Minns, NSW Labor Leader said:
“With Dominic Perrottet all roads seem to lead to higher tolls.”
“The government needs to come clean on whether they plan to put yet another toll road, this time on the new harbour crossing.”
“Sydney is already the highest tolled city on the face of the earth.”
“Cost of living pressures are already at record highs and getting worse every day. The NSW Government has to stop signing up Sydney motorists to 4 per cent toll increases.”
Shadow Minister for Roads John Graham said:
“Questions are mounting on the government’s approach to tolling.”
“Harbour tunnel toll arrangements expire in August this year, but the public has no idea what is proposed. It seems the Government has no idea either.”
“The one thing we can guarantee with Dominic Perrottet, is it will lead to higher tolls.”