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Sydney Toll Shake-Up Delayed as Motorway Charges Increase

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Tolls on seven privately-run Sydney motorways, including the M2 and M7, will rise on July 1, 2026, by over 4% from the previous year.

The NSW government has not announced a specific date for scrapping administration fees on toll notices, stating only that it will occur in "mid-2026".

Key Developments

Confidential documents indicate government officials had planned a first phase of toll reform on July 1 under Project Charlotte, involving motorways operated by Transurban.

The government has concluded phase one of reforms according to Transport Minister John Graham, citing a toll ombudsman and a permanent $60 weekly toll cap.

Coalition transport spokeswoman Natalie Ward criticized the government for missing deadlines and lacking transparency: "Three years of a toll review and there is still no detail to the public."

Background

  • Labor campaigned on toll reform in the 2023 state election and commissioned a review led by Allan Fels, which reported in July 2024.
  • The government has been negotiating with Transurban, which controls 11 of Sydney's 13 toll roads.
  • Two-way tolls on the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Tunnel may start from 2028 to fund the toll cap.
  • The Fels review also recommended two-way tolling on the Eastern Distributor.

Official Statements

Transport Minister John Graham: "We said administration fees on toll notices would be scrapped in mid-2026 and that remains the case."

Coalition transport spokeswoman Natalie Ward: "Three years of a toll review and there is still no detail to the public."