Rival policies set motorists up for road-toll cap win

Rival policies set motorists up for road-toll cap win

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The major parties in Victoria have unveiled competing road-toll schemes ahead of the upcoming election. Victorian Labor has pledged to cap road tolls at $30 a week in 2027 if it holds onto power in November.

Labor says the $191 million commitment could save individuals and small businesses as much as $5000 per vehicle from January 1. Cars, motorbikes, and light commercial vehicles such as utes and vans will be eligible for the 12-month, $30 toll cap for travel on Victoria's three toll roads.

The maximum rebate claim would be $350 per week, with small businesses eligible to apply for cash back on up to five vehicles. The government estimates the toll cap would save a motorist who travels the full EastLink route every weekday $2500.

A family or business with three cars could claim up to $15,000 across the year. The coalition's $180 million pledge would kick in from July 1, 2027, and could save drivers up to $3000 a year per vehicle.

Tolls would continue to be paid as normal under both pledges, but drivers would be able to claim a rebate each quarter through Service Victoria. Motorists who drive without an e-Tag are set to win a reprieve from being slugged extra charges.

The coalition's pledge bears a stark resemblance to Labor's, with both parties aiming to provide relief to motorists. However, the Labor pledge is more generous, with a lower toll cap and a higher rebate amount.