In welcome news for domestic holidaymakers and the regions, the NSW Government has announced a cashback scheme for large, recreational vehicles (large caravans, boat trailers and horse floats) on Sydney’s toll roads. 

What happened?

On 1 August 2019, large recreational vehicles were made subject to heavy vehicle toll rates on the M2 and M7 motorways. This effectively meant that many large recreational vehicles, including large caravans, were made to pay the same toll rate as a heavy B-double truck. This approximate 200 per cent toll increase led to significant inequity in the tolling system and put up a major cost barrier for holidaymakers and regional visitation.

NRMA response

In response, the NRMA called on toll road operators and the NSW Government to urgently review vehicle classifications. A grace period for large caravans was subsequently established for the M2/M7 from 26 August 2019 to 27 April 2020. 

How the scheme works

The new scheme will apply to all of Sydney’s toll roads which have vehicular sized based tolling, and will include the soon-to-open NorthConnex and M8 Motorway. The Sydney Harbour Bridge and Tunnel have a flat rate toll and hence are not included in the new scheme. 

The scheme involves a reimbursement of the difference between the heavy vehicle and light vehicle toll.

For example, if a light vehicle is $5, the heavy vehicle is $15, under the new scheme, a $10 rebate would be credited to the toll account holder’s nominated bank account. To receive the rebate, users must register with TfNSW and submit applicable toll statements.

The scheme is for NSW residents only and will be backdated to 1 June 2020.