Victoria Labor pledges $30 weekly toll cap ahead of election

Victoria's Labor government has announced a plan to cap road tolls at $30 per week throughout 2027 if it retains power in the upcoming November election, according to reports from lithgowmercury.com.au, tenterfieldstar.com.au, and dailyadvertiser.com.au. The $191 million commitment is expected to benefit individuals and small businesses, potentially saving up to $5,000 per vehicle starting January 1.

Premier Ben Carroll stated that the $30 weekly toll cap would apply to cars, motorbikes, and light commercial vehicles such as utes and vans traveling on Victoria's three toll roads: CityLink, EastLink, and the West Gate Tunnel. The plan would cover around 200,000 account holders, which is double the number covered under the opposition coalition's earlier proposal to cap tolls at $50 per week for two years.

Under the Labor plan, motorists without an e-tag would be exempt from additional charges. The maximum rebate claimable would be $350 per week, and small businesses could apply for cash back on up to five vehicles. The government estimates that a motorist traveling the full EastLink route every weekday could save approximately $2,500 over the year, while a ute driver using the full CityLink route five days a week might claim up to $5,000 in savings.

Opposition Leader Jess Wilson criticized the government's announcement as a last-minute election tactic, accusing the Labor government of causing higher tolls currently. She described the pledge as being offered "five minutes to midnight" before the election, highlighting the political contest over toll relief policies.

The competing toll relief schemes from both major parties reflect a focus on easing costs for motorists ahead of the state election, with the Labor government emphasizing broader coverage and a lower weekly cap compared to the opposition's earlier proposal.