Latest news with #tollincrease
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Transport Minister defends Sydney Harbour Bridge toll rise as a local councillor labelled the increase as 'theft'
A councillor has slammed the NSW government's announcement that it will be increase tolls on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. From July 1, motorists will see fees rise by 3.2 per cent, paying $4.41 for southbound trips at peak times - an increase of 14 cents. Those paying the off-peak day rate will see the toll go up by 10 cents to $3.30. Drivers crossing during the evenings will pay $2.76, or an increase of nine cents. Mosman councillor Roy Bendall told The Sydney Morning Herald the toll increase was 'theft' from his constituents on Sydney's lower north shore. 'We are being billed for our suffering,' he said, referencing disruptions caused by upgrades to Western Harbour Tunnel and Warringah Freeway. 'We paid off the Harbour Bridge in the '80s – this is insane and it's inequitable.' Sydneysiders took to social media to unleash on the decision to raise the toll, echoing Mr Bendall's sentiment. 'They didn't pay for the Harbour Bridge for 50 years! Why should we pay for their tolls? That is robbery,' one person said. Another said: 'The toll increase that saves you money. Right. Like the cheapest power that costs more.' NSW Transport Minister John Graham said on Saturday the rise of toll fees was to help fund the state government's weekly toll cap. Introduced in January 2024, drivers who spend more than $60 in tolls per week can claim the excess back under the so-called 'toll cap' to help residents in western Sydney. 'That toll relief (is) making a big difference to people's pockets, but we need to fund it, and this money will go straight into that,' he said. 'Drivers from the west are often sitting in traffic, their tolls are going up. 'Similarly, drivers coming across other crossings will have similar arrangements. This is one approach across the city for everyone. 'Tolls are continuing to increase under the contracts the former government signed in the west. We are just making sure that everyone's paying their share.' Mr Bendall said it subsidised a toll cap which is mostly used in western Sydney. Tolls on the bridge were last raised in 2023 by 6.8 per cent, which was the first time in 14 years.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Public hearing set on proposed toll bridge rate hike
CUMBERLAND — Local residents will be able to comment on an application by the Historic Oldtown Bridge Preservation to increase its toll rates and charges during a virtual hearing scheduled for Wednesday. The hearing begins at 7 p.m. before Public Utility Law Judge Christine L. Burke. In July 2024, the bridge operator requested an increase to the toll rate for passenger vehicles from $1.50 to $2.50, as well as increases for other types of vehicles. The bridge is the only privately owned toll bridge operating in Maryland and provides a low-water crossing over the Potomac River between Oldtown and Green Spring, West Virginia. Those who would like to speak at the hearing must sign up by Tuesday through the Calendly app on the commission's website, Under 'Featured Topics' on the right side of the webpage, click on 'Public Comment Hearing Sign Up,' then 'Case 9712 and the hearing date and time. Click 'Next,' enter name and email and click 'Schedule Event.' Once the sign-up process is complete, registrants will receive a Zoom link. Otherwise, the hearing can be watched on the PULJ Division's YouTube channel, Written comments can be sent electronically through the commission's online portal, or by mail. Comments sent by mail should be addressed to: Jamie Bergin, Chief Clerk, Maryland Public Service Commission, William Donald Schaefer Tower, 6 St. Paul St., 16th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202. All comments should reference Case No. 9712.
BBC News
16-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Norfolk Broads businesses frustrated after toll rise deemed legal
Business owners have said tourists could be driven away from the idyllic Broads National Park after the government upheld a decision to increase new toll hire companies had complained that the average rise of 5.9% for most craft on the waterways in Norfolk and Suffolk, was unlawful and the Department for Transport (DfT) has found in favour of the Thwaites, 56, who runs a boat hiring company, said she was "really frustrated" by the decision. "We need to be paying a toll, but [the Broads Authority] needs to understand the impact [that the increase] is having on this business," she Broads Authority has said its increase in charges will help it maintain the national park. The toll costs fund maintenance, navigation services, and environmental conservation across the of the Broads Hire Boat Federation made the complaint to the Thompson, 36, owns a pizza restaurant and a B&B in Hoveton, and said the toll increases would have a "massive impact".She explained tourists visiting the area were a "make or break" for her businesses, and price rises would "drive people abroad" for their holidays."I think the Broads Authority could think really carefully about what they can do to help support local businesses," she said. Matthew Thwaites, chair of the Broads Hire Boat Federation, said members were extremely frustrated by the told the Local Democracy Reporting Service his organisation had not yet been officially told of the decision by the DfT."It is ridiculous," he said."How is this a fair and proper judicial review of our complaint when they have not responded to any of our correspondence?"A spokesperson for the DfT said: "After carefully considering structures at similar ports and regular annual fee increases by the Broads Authority, the department found in favour of the charges levied."The Broads Authority said the organisation was battling against increased maintenance costs and the ruling demonstrated the "appeal was unjustified"."Now that the unhelpful distraction of the DfT complaint has been concluded, we hope that more effort can be put towards constructive dialogue that recognises the challenges we are all facing," they added. Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
