Campbelltown MP Greg Warren, who is also the opposition spokesman on Western Sydney, has backed calls to give local motorists a break with the introduction of a toll free grace period on the M5 East Motorway.
The state government recently introduced the new toll on the old M5 East Motorway in an effort to reduce the toll for motorists on the newly opened M8 Motorway.
Motorists are charged almost $7 one-way, which equates to more than $70 per week for five round trips.
Heavy vehicles pay more than $20 one-way, which equates to more than $200 per week for five round trips.
Liverpool Council last week endorsed a motion calling for the toll-free period.
The motion was moved by Labor’s Nathan Hagarty and seconded by one of his Liberal Party colleagues on council.
Mr Warren, pictured, says NSW Labor has also made similar demands.
“Let’s make this crystal clear – this is an unjust and unnecessary tax being thrust upon the people of South Western Sydney,” Mr Warren said.
“Our community does not welcome this new tax, I do not welcome this new tax, Liberal Party councillors do not welcome this new tax and the NSW Labor Party does not welcome this new tax.
“Everyone is fully aware that there is a deadly pandemic that is present in our community,’’ he said.
“As a result, mass job losses have occurred while many of those still in the workforce are shunning public transport and driving to work to minimise the risk of catching Covid-19.
“Introducing the new toll on the old M5 East Motorway at this time is simply profiteering off a deadly pandemic.
“A toll free grace period is the very least this heartless and greedy government can do.”
Cr Hagarty added: “The community response to my motion has been overwhelming – the people of Liverpool are furious with the Liberal State Government.
“We’re expected to pay this unfair new toll on an old road, yet when it comes to our fair share of infrastructure, like schools or public transport, we’re simply forgotten about.
“Residents and businesses in Liverpool were already doing it tough due to the pandemic, now they’ve been stung by this greedy State Government.
“The NSW Government needs to be helping local families and local businesses get back on their feet, not private tolling companies.”
