Source : Perth Now news
Victorian road users could be eligible for a $50 weekly toll cap for two years if the Liberal-National coalition wins the upcoming state election.
Opposition leader Jess Wilson announced the pledge on Sunday, saying it was based on NSW’s model capped at $50 per week but to rise to a permanent baseline of $60 from July 2027.
If the coalition is elected in November, the cap will kick in from July 1, 2027 across all toll roads, with cars, motorbikes, small trucks, vans and small business fleets of up to five vehicles included.
It will exclude heavy freight trucks, rideshares, taxis and large business fleets with over $10 million annual turnover or more than 20 staff.
The toll cap will cost $180 million over two years, under Liberal-National estimates, and can be applied for via Service Victoria as a quarterly rebate.
“Our toll cap will cut costs for families, tradies and small businesses and boost our economy,” Ms Wilson said.
“By capping tolls for two years, a Liberal and Nationals government will boost our economy and ensure families have more money to put towards the things that really matter.”
She said the cap would form part of a broader review on tolling arrangements and could be particularly beneficial for tradies driving Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger or Isuzu D-MAX, which attract higher tolls.
Victorian Nationals leader Danny O’Brien said the state’s toll fees were holding back small businesses and could be the difference between a tradie taking another job or not.
There are three toll roads in Victoria – CityLink, EastLink and the West Gate Tunnel – which are operated by private companies Linkt and ConnectEast.
Toll notices are issued by these operators to road users if a toll is unpaid, and if notices are repeatedly ignored Victoria Police can issue a fine.
