[News] New toll rebate scheme for eligible NSW drivers starts today

[Douma]

From today, eligible New South Wales motorists will be able to claim back hundreds of dollars spent on tolls.

Drivers who spend at least $375 on tolls a year will be able to claim a 40 per cent rebate of up to $750 under the government's relief scheme.

Rebates will be backdated to July 1, 2022, with the first payment expected to be made within days of applications being received.

Half  a million drivers across the city are expected to be eligible for the scheme, with residents of Western Sydney set to be some of the biggest winners.

"We know Western Sydney families, workers, tradies and truckies are amongst the biggest users of our motorways because of the time savings they deliver," Minister for Roads Natalie Ward said.

"This scheme is for every driver across New South Wales, but we're particularly encouraging those in Western and South-Western Sydney to apply and take advantage of the savings on offer."

According to government data, the top five suburbs where eligible motorists live are Casula, Hammondville, Liverpool, Beaumont Hills and Kellyville.

Anyone wishing to claim the rebate needs to link their toll account to their MyServiceNSW account and the money will be deposited in their nominated bank account.

Sole traders may be eligible for an extra $750 but applications for this additional rebate will not open until February 28.

The new toll relief scheme will replace the free and half-price registration renewal program, which will cease on June 30.

That initiative gives one free or half-price vehicle registration to drivers who spend over a yearly threshold on tolls.

For the current financial year, drivers can double dip and apply for both the registration rebate and toll relief.

But for the 2023-2024 financial year, only pensioners can receive both. All other drivers must choose which scheme they will benefit from.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said almost 300,000 extra drivers would benefit from the new toll relief scheme.

"This is a fairer and more equitable system based more closely on the amount a motorist actually spends on tolls," he said last year.

The government says the new program will be in place for an initial two-year period and then be reviewed.

Toll relief will be one of the key issues in the upcoming March state election as the government and opposition try to lure voters struggling with the rising cost of living.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.abc.net.au/article/101884642