NSW’s $1M Toll Bill Sparks Urgent Reform

Thousands of NSW drivers are facing mounting financial pressure from Sydney's complex toll system, with nearly 1,000 motorists now racking up toll bills exceeding $10,000 annually. For the first time, the state government has released detailed e-toll data revealing the true cost of using the city’s extensive motorway network — and it’s sparking calls for sweeping reform.

Western Sydney Hit Hardest

According to the newly published figures from the state-owned E-Toll provider, western Sydney residents are bearing the brunt. Suburbs like Bankstown, Blacktown, Marsden Park and Moorebank dominate the top 1,000 toll spenders list. The data includes only private account holders with fewer than three e-tags, meaning the actual number of drivers spending over $10,000 a year is likely much higher.

Dozens of individuals were found to be paying over $30,000 annually in tolls. In total, 901 motorists were identified with yearly bills between $10,000 and $20,000.

Where the Money Goes

The most-used toll roads among these high-paying drivers were WestConnex (43%), the M7 (16%), M5 (12%), the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Tunnel (12%), and the M2 (8%). Across the entire network, toll users are spending $2.5 billion annually.

This cost burden is further intensified for commuters from western suburbs and regions where public transport options are limited. As a result, toll roads have become unavoidable for many workers, families, and businesses.

The Need for Toll Reform

The Minns Labor Government is currently pursuing reform of what Roads Minister John Graham described as a "poorly-functioning patchwork" of toll pricing structures. The system is expected to generate an estimated $195 billion in tolls over the next 35 years, according to the independent Toll Review led by Allan Fels and David Cousins.

Minister John Graham stated:

"This is the data the former Liberal government would never have shared with the public. The toll bills at the upper end of the scale are eye-watering in their magnitude and only reinforce the pressing need for toll reform in Sydney."

"We have nearly 1000 motorists whose annual spend on tolls is in excess of $10,000 which is a significant impost no matter who you are – but the fact is that the drivers paying these sky-high bills are in our western suburbs or central coast where people can least afford it."

"Toll reform is critical for Sydney and this is a once in a generation chance to address it while we continue to offer vital toll relief through the $60 toll cap."

"Sydney is a place in which people make choices about where they work and how they get around based on the need to avoid paying tolls. The problem grows each year. Over decades, it will become unsustainable and we must act now to create a fairer system."

$60 Weekly Toll Cap Offers Temporary Relief

To alleviate the pressure, the NSW Government introduced a $60 weekly toll cap. This cap provides critical short-term relief to thousands of motorists, but officials acknowledge it is not a permanent solution to the broader issue of toll equity across the state.

What’s Next?

As the state’s toll reform process continues, motorists and advocacy groups are keeping a close eye on potential structural changes. The government has pledged to prioritise a system that reduces tolls for the majority of journeys while making it fairer for those living in areas with few public transport alternatives.

NSW drivers can expect more updates in the coming months as the government moves forward with its once-in-a-generation overhaul of the toll network.