The most heavily-tolled suburbs in Sydney’s car-reliant west top the list for cash returns under the Minns Labor Government’s $60 weekly toll cap.
More than 6000 motorists who rely on toll roads most are on track to claim an average $4000 each in relief this year.
Toll relief is being provided as the NSW Government works on tolling reform to fix the damage wrought by the toll road privatisation of the former government and ease the burden on motorists.
The second quarterly claim period is open and almost 350,000 motorists are eligible to click and collect their next toll rebate, with $53 million in relief available for the period 1 April 2024 – 30 June 2024.
There is a total of $79 million currently able to be claimed by motorists from tolled trips since January 1.
By volume and value, cash rebates are getting to where they are needed most, with suburbs including Blacktown, Baulkham Hills, Marsden Park, Merrylands, Castle Hill, Quakers Hill and Kellyville at the top of the relief list.
Drivers in Auburn ($554), Lakemba ($513) and Wiley Park ($461) have received the largest average toll relief, with $254 the average rebate for all NSW drivers who claim.
More than 6,000 motorists received more than $1,000 from the first quarter period.
The final report of the Independent Toll Review, led by Professor Allan Fels and Dr David Cousins, described Sydney’s toll road network as a poorly-functioning patchwork of numerous different price structures that will cost motorists $195 billion in nominal terms in tolls over the next three and a half decades on top of the billions they have already paid.
The report notes the lack of a unified tolling system has created complexity, inefficiency, inequities and unfairness, with those in Western Sydney financially impacted the most.
The Government is currently preparing its response to the Toll Review.
Eligible drivers who have spent more than $60 a week on toll trips since 1 January can claim the toll relief via the Service NSW website with the rebate calculated and claimed each quarter.
Once your toll account details are linked to your MyServiceNSW Account, claims can easily be lodged.
Motorists can claim up to a maximum of $340 per week for each tag or licence plate number, as part of a “fair use” provision in place to ensure the program’s integrity.
People can claim their 2024 toll spend until 30 June 2025.
To claim, visit www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/claim-the-toll-relief-cap and follow the step-by-step instructions including linking your toll account to your MyServiceNSW Account.
Top 20 suburbs ranked by total claim amount (Jan-Aug 2024)
| Suburb | Count of claims | Total Claim Amount | Average Claims |
| Blacktown | 2,146 | $672,254 | $313 |
| Baulkham Hills | 2,192 | $644,169 | $294 |
| Auburn | 1,078 | $597,484 | $554 |
| Marsden Park | 1,613 | $569,063 | $353 |
| Merrylands | 1,380 | $555,275 | $402 |
| Castle Hill | 1,792 | $497,861 | $278 |
| Quakers Hill | 1,544 | $442,663 | $287 |
| Kellyville | 1,520 | $420,235 | $276 |
| Lakemba | 753 | $386,327 | $513 |
| Greystanes | 1,249 | $346,460 | $277 |
| Bankstown | 936 | $338,985 | $362 |
| West Pennant Hills | 1,007 | $306,736 | $305 |
| Glenwood | 1,004 | $297,734 | $297 |
| Schofields | 964 | $291,859 | $303 |
| Glenmore Park | 1,167 | $287,460 | $246 |
| Punchbowl | 761 | $285,351 | $375 |
| Seven Hills | 852 | $269,548 | $316 |
| Maroubra | 1,119 | $261,742 | $234 |
| Wiley Park | 561 | $258,543 | $461 |
| Cherrybrook | 808 | $258,516 | $320 |
Premier Chris Minns said:
“We know families and households are doing it tough and I’m pleased that the $60 toll cap is having an impact on the people who are impacted the most by tolls.”
“There’s no doubt the NSW Government’s toll cap is fundamentally needed while we look to reform the system when you consider how many toll roads have been privatised, and its important the burden doesn’t disproportionately fall on those that need toll roads to get to and from work.”
Minister for Roads John Graham said:
“The toll cap is a cost-of-living relief measure that provides support for those people who do not have the choice to avoid toll bills in getting around Sydney. The most toll road reliant areas have fewer public transport alternatives than other parts of our city.
“An average $253 cash rebate will be welcomed by families from Marsden Park to Merrylands, West Pennant Hills to Wiley Park.
“This is targeted toll relief while we continue to work on toll reform assisted by the final report of the independent Toll Review of Allan Fels and David Cousins.”
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:
“I encourage road users to head to the Service NSW website to check if they are eligible to claim for toll relief, and to find out how to link your toll account with your MyServiceNSW Account.”
“Drivers might be surprised by how much they can claim under the $60 toll cap, which can help ease cost-of-living pressures on households.”