The NSW government has urged Sydney motorists to take advantage of the toll road relief program, with $140 million left unclaimed during the first 12 months of the cost-of-living support measure.
Drivers who spend more than $60 on tolls a week can claim their excess back under the so-called ‘toll cap’ introduced by the Minns government in January 2024 to help residents in Sydney’s west.
Roads Minister John Graham said on Monday that while $75 million has been paid to motorists so far, $140 million remains to be claimed.
“I would like to remind motorists to go to the Service NSW website and claim what they are entitled to,” Graham said.
More than 276,000 claims have been paid since the scheme started, with an average claim of $277, the government said.
There were 115 suburbs where the average claim was $300 or more, including Parramatta, Lidcombe, Schofields, Westmead, Toongabbie, Merrylands and Auburn.
According to the government, around 720,000 road users could now submit a claim.
“We know people are going through a tough time and the toll cap makes it just a little fairer for motorists who rely heavily on the toll roads,” Graham said, adding that reform talks with private toll road companies continued.
Commuters are missing out on millions in unclaimed toll relief. In the photo Prime Minister Chris Minns
In December, the government signed an agreement in principle with toll road operator Transurban for a network-wide charging system, in a bid to soften the impact of toll payments on motorists.
The initial deal would pave the way for more formal discussions as the sides worked on an agreement that would replace existing toll arrangements, the government said.
“The NSW Government is making progress on road toll reform to make road tolls fairer overall,” Graham said on Monday.
The NSW Liberal Opposition was contacted for comment.