NSW drivers offered cost of living relief with lower toll caps and admin fees

Motorists in the “most tolled city on earth” will be offered cost of living relief with lower toll caps and no admin fees for 12 months in the forthcoming NSW budget.

Treasurer Daniel Mookehy will make the announcement when he hands down the 2026-27 state budget at 12.30pm on Tuesday.

Under new measures, administration fees will be scrapped and toll caps will reduce from $60 to $50 for one year from July 6, saving motorists more than $60m.

The initiatives were introduced to ease financial pressure on households as part of the NSW government’s cost of living measures.

Motorists who currently claim toll relief every week will get $520 back over the financial year and save $60m in administration fees.

The state government estimates about 948,000 toll accounts reached the $60 threshold this year, and an extra 200,000 accounts will be eligible for relief under a lower cap.

Premier Chris Minns said people in Western Sydney and across Sydney relied on toll roads every day.

“They’re not using them for fun, they’re using them to get to work, pick up the kids and keep life moving,” he said.

“We can’t fix every pressure families are facing, but we can help. Cutting the toll cap and scrapping these unfair fees means more money stays in people’s pockets.

“Some of these admin fees were higher than the toll itself. That never made sense to me and we’re getting rid of them for good.”

Minister for Transport John Graham said the equivalent of four capacity crowds at the SCG would receive assistance to get about the most tolled city on earth.

“An unwanted title proudly brought to you by the NSW Liberal Party in government,” he said.

“Scrapping administration fees is part of putting drivers first after decades in which the interests of private toll road owners reigned supreme.

“Admin fees are going and the rest of the interface with motorists will be user-friendly and digital first.”

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said families were under real pressure and the budget measure provided practical relief people would actually notice each week.

“Whether you’re renewing your registration, paying tolls or catching public transport, we’re helping reduce the everyday costs that households face,” he said.