A relatively small toll fee in Victoria can escalate into a significant criminal debt due to accumulating administrative fees, raising concerns about fairness and access to essential infrastructure. Motorists who delay payment on a toll as low as $3.27 could face a debt of up to $450 enforced by Fines Victoria.
Rising Toll Debt & Administrative Fees
Jo Parkin, a senior financial counsellor at Uniting, explained that administrative fees create a barrier for those already experiencing financial hardship. “The extra fees just add barriers to people being able to make payments, so they’re more likely to put it to one side,” Parkin said. She believes minimizing the initial amount owed, improving hardship programs, and eliminating administrative fees could help individuals resolve toll debts promptly.
Inner Melbourne Community Legal managing lawyer Shifrah Blustein described the administrative fees as “unjustifiable and totally disproportionate” to the cost of invoicing. Blustein argues that broader reforms are needed, including a cessation of Fines Victoria enforcing Transurban’s debts at taxpayer expense.
Essential Service, Unequal Access
Blustein highlighted the lack of concessional rates for toll roads, unlike other essential services such as public transport, utility bills, and car registration. “The government must work with toll operators to require them to provide concessional options to ensure access to toll roads is fair,” she stated.
Transurban, the operator of CityLink and the West Gate Tunnel, stated that administrative fees are used to cover the costs of identifying vehicle owners, issuing notices, and meeting regulatory requirements. The company noted it is removing administrative fees in New South Wales following toll reforms led by the Minns government, but maintains a different legal framework exists in Victoria.
A review of toll roads in NSW, led by former ACCC chair Allan Fels, recommended electronic invoicing and consolidated billing to reduce the number of fees incurred by motorists. Tolls on CityLink are increasing from January 1, with a single car trip rising from $12.25 to $12.38, and a 24-hour pass for CityLink and the West Gate Tunnel costing $38.52 for cars and $70.03 for utes and vans.
West Gate Bridge Maintenance & Potential Delays
Motorists should anticipate potential delays beginning Friday night as the West Gate Bridge undergoes annual maintenance. The bridge will be reduced from five lanes to two in each direction until Monday afternoon, with city-bound lanes remaining closed until January 4. Transport Victoria has warned of possible delays of up to an hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I don’t pay a toll immediately?
If a toll is left unpaid, a toll as small as $3.27 can grow into a criminal debt of up to $450 enforced by Fines Victoria.
Is there a hardship program available?
Transurban states it has a hardship program, but a financial counsellor has stated that it is not always accessible or effective in practice.
What is changing with CityLink tolls?
From January 1, the maximum CityLink toll for a single car trip will increase from $12.25 to $12.38. A 24-hour pass for both CityLink and the West Gate Tunnel will cost $38.52 for cars and $70.03 for utes and vans.
As toll roads become increasingly integrated into daily commutes, how can policymakers balance the need for infrastructure investment with ensuring equitable access for all drivers?
