Harbour Bridge toll decision means red tape for drivers

Despite a pre-election promise of "no new tolls", motorists will be hit with a toll to cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge and harbour tunnel in both directions from 2028.

One-way tolling on the Harbour Bridge has been in place since 1970.

A $60 weekly toll "cap" introduced in 2024, designed to minimise the burden on western Sydney drivers, was set to end within weeks but will be made permanent under the changes announced on Thursday.

While the extension will be a relief to many behind the wheel, they'll still be forced to pay first, and seek a refund later.

That's in contrast to the $50 weekly public transport cap, which is applied automatically as soon as the cap is reached.

Forcing drivers to claim the toll rebate themselves online every three months was necessary to prevent fraud, the NSW transport minister said.

"As we're making this more permanent, we do have to make sure the scheme is not abused," minister John Graham told reporters.

Drivers have used the toll "cap" to claim back about $200 million since the start of 2024.

Another $102 million went unclaimed and back into state coffers in July.

"We're not apologising for having a little bit of paperwork, some integrity measures to make sure," Mr Graham said.

Motorists will also be stopped from claiming back more than $5000 in a year - equating to about $95 a week.

Administration fees for paying toll notices are also being scrapped in the latest overhaul to the system plaguing what's been described as the world's most-tolled city.

As part of marathon negotiations to curtail their power, private toll operators have agreed to get rid of the fees which brought in $618 million the last financial year alone.

Transurban has also agreed to forgo any extra revenue coming from higher traffic volumes that can be attributed to toll rebates.

Mr Graham would not say why the company agreed to the concessions, coming into effect in mid-2026, but said results of the contract renegotiations would be known by April.

Transurban's chief executive said the process to simplify charges to motorists was constructive and positive.

"This outcome is a step towards delivery of a fairer and simpler system ... while continuing to protect the value of the investment Transurban and its partners have made," Michelle Jablko said.

Making the relief permanent was welcomed by leaders in the capital city's outer suburbs.

"This is a win for western Sydney commuters who often have to spend more time on the road and travel longer distances," Western Sydney Dialogue chief executive Adam Leto said.

Australian Associated Press