Drivers set for toll relief as rivals try to out-do each other in state poll

Victorian motorists could receive thousands of dollars in toll relief next year, with both major political parties promising to introduce weekly spending caps if elected at November’s state election.

The Labor government has announced a $30 weekly cap covering cars, motorcycles, utes and vans, with the scheme scheduled to operate throughout 2027 at an estimated cost of $191 million.

The proposal would cover Victoria’s three toll roads – CityLink, EastLink and the West Gate Tunnel – and could save eligible motorists as much as $5000 per vehicle annually.

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Small businesses would also qualify, with rebates available for up to five vehicles. A three-car household or business could potentially receive $15,000 in combined annual savings.

The government estimates that someone travelling the full length of EastLink five days a week could save approximately $2500, while a ute driver regularly using CityLink could receive $5000.

However, motorists would initially continue paying tolls normally, then apply for quarterly rebates through Service Victoria.

Labor’s announcement follows a competing Coalition proposal unveiled in August.

Under that policy, toll expenditure would be capped at $50 weekly for two years, beginning July 1, 2027. The $180 million scheme could provide savings of up to $3000 annually per eligible vehicle.

Both proposals target private motorists and small businesses, although their different spending limits and operating periods mean the benefits would vary according to individual travel patterns.

Drivers who use toll roads without electronic tags could also benefit from changes to administration fees.

Currently, motorists can be charged $16 when operators issue paper toll notices.

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Labor proposes replacing paper notifications with electronic communications, while the Coalition has committed to reviewing existing tolling arrangements.

Victorian Roads Minister Paul Hamer acknowledged that the government’s proposed subsidy was intended as temporary relief rather than a permanent solution.

The competing commitments reflect mounting pressure over household transport costs, particularly for commuters who rely on Melbourne’s tolled motorways.

Neither proposal is guaranteed until after the November election, leaving motorists to weigh the differences between Labor’s lower weekly cap and the Coalition’s longer-running scheme.