Sydney freeway tolls dropped for caravanners

Drivers slugged with the same fees as trucks on NSW's toll roads just because the caravan, boat or horse float they’re towing is a bit tall or long will be able to claim back the charges from early next month.

Some of NSW’s caravanners and boaters are charged the same fees as semi-trailers in the state because their trailer sits higher than 2.8 metres on the trailer or measures longer than 12.5 metres long from the tip of the front bumper to the end of the outboard engine or spare tyre.

Because this falls under the toll road operators’ definition of a “Class B” vehicle such as a truck, drivers hauling big caravans or boats are hit with a toll that can be as much as three times higher than for a “Class A” car towing a trailer.

Recreational trailer owners can now register for a rebate scheme, called the Large Towed Recreation Vehicle Toll Rebate, via their toll tag provider’s website.

From November 8, caravanners who have paid the higher toll can start claiming it back by logging into their toll road account, clicking on the cashback option to submit a claim online.

For those who prefer a more traditional way of claiming, Transport for NSW also provides a paper-based form that people can fill in and email to the department.

Transport for NSW said the scheme did not apply to tolls charged for the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Harbour Tunnel because they used a single toll fee for all vehicles.

It said the toll rebate scheme would also apply to motorways opening to traffic in coming months, including NorthConnex and the WestConnex M5 East/M8.

However, it appears the $14 per trip refund is only available for NSW-registered vehicles and not vehicles registered in other states.

Also read:

Why our towing laws are ridiculous