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  2. Motion Calls for Toll Changes to Be Overturned

Motion Calls for Toll Changes to Be Overturned

Media Releases

State Member for Wallsend, Ms Sonia Hornery MP, will today move a Notice of Motion calling on the Roads Minister to overturn the recent changes to vehicle classifications by Transurban that has resulted in toll charges tripling for cars towing a caravan, boat or trailer.

In August 2019, Transurban introduced the new classification structure which moved cars towing a caravan, boat or trailer from Class A to Class B, which is the same category as a semi-trailer or B-Double which use the road.

After the matter was raised with Ms Hornery, she wrote to the Minister for Roads and launched a petition calling on the Minister to change the classification structure to allow holiday makers and residents travelling around Sydney to be put back in the Class A classification.

The petition has more than 10,000 signatures and Ms Hornery will move a Notice of Motion calling on the Minister to change the classification structure for these vehicles.

Quotes attributable to State Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery MP

“In a response to my office earlier this year, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Roads expressed her disappointment that several motorway operators have adjusted their roadside vehicle classification equipment to charge caravan owners a higher rate, but ruled out making any changes to the classification structure.”

“Last month the Roads Minister criticised Transurban for going ahead with increases of its tolls, describing it as a “terrible” look and telling them that “they need to just factor in the incredible pain and suffering and pressure that everybody is under at this period in time and reconsider their decision.”

“Given the crises that the NSW economy has suffered in the last six months, bushfires, drought and COVID-19, the simple stroke of the Minister’s pen could resolve this issue and get thousands of holiday makers back on the roads heading south to visit local rural and regional communities who are doing it tough.”

“It is impossible to believe that a car towing a caravan is considered to be the equivalent of a fully laden semi-trailer.”

“Transurban even knew how much their new classification structure stunk as they continued to waive the toll increases for customers from August through to April this year.”

“The Minister needs to end this farce, introduce new regulations for the classification of vehicles and get our holiday makers back on the road to support local economies.”

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