Australia`s most expensive fixed toll road is now up again, and drivers across the road will face higher fees.
Starting Monday, Sydney-based Eastern Distributor will charge 7.61 yuan for each passing car, while trucks will charge 15.22 yuan, up from 7.46 yuan at the end of last year and 14.62 yuan at the end of last year.
Back in 2001, the road charged 3.5 yuan for cars and 7.5 yuan for trucks.
It takes only five minutes for the driver to get through the 6-kilometer one-way street, but according to current charges, it is more expensive than crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge during rush hours.
NRMA speaker Peter Khoury said the rise in toll road costs could have a serious impact on families passing through the road every day.
"the fare is a big problem for commuters who often use the road."
"We want government to announce that it will no longer charge tolls because the cost of living and the pressure on traffic are increasing, and waiving the tolls will help these busy families take a break," he said.
Sydney Turnpike has become the world`s most expensive urban toll network in the form of fixed, day-by-day and distance charges.
Most of the toll roads will rise in a fraction of every three months, but the rising charge makes the pressure of the drivers more and more large.
The rise in toll road prices and the increase in toll roads are decided by highway operators in consultation with the government, which will determine how long it will take until the cost of the road is paid off.
Other major factors affecting tolls include the cost of highway construction and the funding and financing required for the project.
Dr. Michelle Zeibots, director of research at the UTS Transportation Research Center, says road tolls do not reduce traffic congestion.
Dr Zeibots told journalist: "the reason government continues to build highways is because they are under pressure from the toll road industry, or because individuals in their party are under tremendous pressure."
"I suggest they go there and see how much money the toll-road operators make," he said.
"it comes at the expense of the people of Sydney and local businesses."
Sydney has nine toll roads with 15 toll points.
Drivers are required to pay tolls at Eastern Distributor,M2,M4 WestConnex,M5,M7,Cross-City Tunnel,Lane Cove Tunnel, Sydney Bridge and Sydney Harbour Bridge Tunnel.
Once several infrastructure projects are completed, there will be more highways in the city.
