The NRMA is calling on all Members of the NSW Legislative Assembly to support the ‘Toll-Free Period’ Bill to encourage the community to use future motorways and to safeguard a critical recommendation from the 2005 Richmond Review.
Mandating that all future motorways, including the soon-to-be opened NorthConnex, provide a toll-free period of one month to motorists to encourage them to use the new road is a key step to reducing congestion on the existing road network and garnering support for Sydney’s vital motorways.
A Bill mandating the toll-free period passed the NSW Legislative Council last month and is due to be voted on by the Legislative Assembly soon. The NRMA supports the Bill and is calling for bi-partisan support to ensure it becomes law.
In 2005 the NRMA campaigned for a review into toll roads in NSW after a litany of controversies with the then-opened Cross City Tunnel. Following the NRMA’s work the Richmond Review into toll roads was held – a toll-free period for future motorways was one of its key recommendations.
All recommendations from David Richmond’s review were welcomed by the NRMA and the then NSW Opposition. The M7 and Lane Cove Tunnel were subsequently opened with a one-month toll free period. NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury said providing one month’s grace on a new toll road was a simple but important step to encouraging the public to use critical new motorways and reduce congestion on suburban roads.
“This Bill makes sense and the NRMA believes it should pass with bi-partisan support,” Mr Khoury said.
“NorthConnex will open soon with a 28-year concession period for the new owners to make their money – we know from past experience that a critical one-month toll free period won’t break the bank.“After campaigning by the NRMA 15 years ago, a series of recommendations were made to make our motorways fairer and more transparent. The NRMA supported these recommendations then and we support them now.
“NorthConnex is such an important project for Sydney and the state – both in terms of reducing congestion and improving safety on Pennant Hills Road, helping tackle traffic build up during holiday periods and in fast-tracking the delivery of goods and service.
“NorthConnex and every future motorway in Sydney will be better for this Bill passing – that’s why the NRMA wants all sides of the political aisle to pass this Bill and deliver a solid outcome for the people of NSW.”
