Central Coast commuters could be paying $3600 on just one toll road by 2021.
Concerns have been raised by the state opposition over the high price of tolls for Central Coast commuters amid revelations that North Connex tunnel tolls could rise above the rate of inflation.
The NSW state opposition has shined a spotlight on the price of tolls for Central Coast commuters, with a Labour spokesperson revealing Sydney toll prices are rising faster than the consumer price index.
The Australian inflation rate currently sits at 1.3% per year as of April 24th, however the toll prices for the North Connex tunnel are set to rise 4% each year – an increase that is ingrained into the government contract for the tunnel.
“It’s not tied to inflation, so while the cost of living is only going up at a very small amount, these tolls will rise 4% every year, and people have to factor that into their weekly budgets,” the spokesman told NBN News.
The $3 billion North Connex tunnel is expected to open next year, and was designed to ease congestion on the M1 – making it an essential road for those travelling from the Central Coast travelling to Sydney.
However, it was revealed last year that a single trip through the tunnel will cost motorists $7.02 or $14.04 for a return. For those working Monday to Friday, that will mean a weekly bill of $70.1 or a yearly cost of around $3300.
With the 4% price increase, this yearly cost will hit $3450 in 2020, and $3600 by 2021.
“People have to be able to find the money to pay these extra costs, and unfortunately they spend less and less,” the Labour spokesman said.
As a result of this, Labour party calling for a rethink of how contracts are lined up for infrastructure
“They want to know why the government is signing contract that bind these increases into them, year on year.”
SEE ALSO: Median house prices on the Central Coast increase by $57,000
Written by Kate Stevens
Images: Getty
