M4 Toll Should Be Removed

23 Oct 2009

Parramatta City Council has called on the State Government to remove tolls from the M4 given that no significant commitment has been made to contribute towards new public transport infrastructure in Parramatta and Western Sydney.

“Unless the State Government can fulfil transport commitments for the growing population of western Sydney, then the M4 toll should be removed,” the Lord Mayor of Parramatta City Council, Cr Paul Garrard said.

“Alternatively, if the RTA retains the M4 toll as a demand management tool, the Roads and Traffic Authority should retain the Cashback scheme beyond next year while contributing towards new integrated public transport infrastructure projects,” he said.

“To ensure this occurs, we urge the State Government to make the toll an electronic payment collection and that it be a distance based so it is a fairer method of tolling and reduces avoidance,” he said.

“Council has already made submissions to the RTA around our concerns but so far the people of Parramatta and the people of western Sydney are yet to see any plans to build and integrate transport for our growing population and our bustling cities,” he said.

“Completing the Chatswood to Parramatta rail link, a commitment to the West Metro, better transport links from the north and south of Sydney and a proper commuter ferry service to the capital of the fastest growing region in Australia are just some of the urgent works required,” he said.

For more details, please see Council’s submission made to the RTA on 24 November 2008.