Transport Minister defends Sydney Harbour Bridge toll rise as a local councillor labelled the increase as 'theft'

A councillor has slammed the NSW government's announcement that it will be increase tolls on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
From July 1, motorists will see fees rise by 3.2 per cent, paying $4.41 for southbound trips at peak times - an increase of 14 cents.
Those paying the off-peak day rate will see the toll go up by 10 cents to $3.30.
Drivers crossing during the evenings will pay $2.76, or an increase of nine cents.
Mosman councillor Roy Bendall told The Sydney Morning Herald the toll increase was 'theft' from his constituents on Sydney's lower north shore.
'We are being billed for our suffering,' he said, referencing disruptions caused by upgrades to Western Harbour Tunnel and Warringah Freeway.
'We paid off the Harbour Bridge in the '80s – this is insane and it's inequitable.'
Sydneysiders took to social media to unleash on the decision to raise the toll, echoing Mr Bendall's sentiment.
'They didn't pay for the Harbour Bridge for 50 years! Why should we pay for their tolls? That is robbery,' one person said.
Another said: 'The toll increase that saves you money. Right. Like the cheapest power that costs more.'
NSW Transport Minister John Graham said on Saturday the rise of toll fees was to help fund the state government's weekly toll cap.
Introduced in January 2024, drivers who spend more than $60 in tolls per week can claim the excess back under the so-called 'toll cap' to help residents in western Sydney.
'That toll relief (is) making a big difference to people's pockets, but we need to fund it, and this money will go straight into that,' he said.
'Drivers from the west are often sitting in traffic, their tolls are going up.
'Similarly, drivers coming across other crossings will have similar arrangements. This is one approach across the city for everyone.
'Tolls are continuing to increase under the contracts the former government signed in the west. We are just making sure that everyone's paying their share.'
Mr Bendall said it subsidised a toll cap which is mostly used in western Sydney.
Tolls on the bridge were last raised in 2023 by 6.8 per cent, which was the first time in 14 years.

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