Toll roads have become an unavoidable part of daily life for many Australians, but as prices continue to rise, commuters are feeling the pinch more than ever. With some of the highest toll rates in the world, these roads are causing frustration for those who rely on them for a faster, more efficient commute. But why are these tolls so expensive, and is there any relief in sight?
The Most Expensive Toll Roads in Australia
According to the latest data from insurance comparison site iSelect, Melbourne’s CityLink continues to hold the title as the most expensive toll road in the country, with drivers paying up to $12.25 per trip for the 22-kilometre stretch. But the rising tolls don’t stop there. The recently opened West Gate Tunnel, which boasts a hefty toll of $10.63 during peak weekday hours, has become the second most expensive toll in the nation.
New South Wales (NSW), however, dominates the toll road scene, with the highest proportion of tolled roads. In fact, a staggering 37.5% of the state’s motorway network is tolled, making driving in NSW a particularly expensive proposition. With tolls ranging from $8.80 to over $10 per trip on major motorways like the WestConnex M4 and the Eastern Distributor, NSW residents are facing some of the steepest costs in the country. The WestConnex M4 alone has seen a jaw-dropping 12.31% year-on-year price increase, rising from $4.56 in 2017 to $10.38 today.
Why Are Toll Prices Rising?
So why are tolls so high? Experts point to the long-term contracts between state governments and private toll operators. These contracts often involve fixed toll rates with built-in annual increases, typically tied to inflation or a flat percentage hike. For example, in Melbourne, CityLink is set to raise tolls by 4.25% between 2019 and 2029, with quarterly increases of about 1.045%. This system, which ensures steady revenue for the toll operators, is often criticized for making tolls unsustainable for regular commuters.
It’s clear that these rising tolls are a major issue for Australian drivers. Despite some relief efforts, such as the NSW government’s $60 weekly toll cap, which aims to ease the burden on regular users, the long-term trend points toward ever-increasing costs for drivers. The cap, while beneficial for some, does not address the underlying issue of constantly rising tolls.
What Can Be Done About It?
Experts argue that a better system could be implemented, one where tolls are more fairly distributed and managed. Professor David Hensher from the Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies suggests to Drive that the government could collect tolls directly, using the revenue to fund and maintain toll roads. This would eliminate the need for private companies to collect profits, and the funds could be reinvested into public infrastructure.
However, with the current system entrenched in long-term agreements, it seems unlikely that toll prices will decrease anytime soon. For now, drivers are left with the reality of paying higher tolls for faster commutes.
