The Minns Labor Government is delivering on its election promise to get trucks off the Stoney Creek Road corridor and back onto back onto the M5 East and M8 motorways, with a new scheme which is expected to get up to 1,900 trucks a day off these suburban roads.
Similar to the NorthConnex scheme, it will be mandated that heavy vehicles must use the motorway network for through journeys rather than local roads. Cameras will be installed along the suburban corridor and trucks that should be on the motorway will be fined $241.
The new measures will be delivered alongside an assistance package for heavy vehicle operators that supports smaller operators and encourages more off-peak freight movements, including reducing the cost of tolls for trucks to the cost of tolls for car where they use the road overnight.
This problem was created by the former Liberal Government in 2020 when they put a new toll on the previously toll free M5 East when they privatised WestConnex.
This toll led to an increase in trucks using the suburban route along King Georges Road, Stoney Creek Road and Forest Roads to avoid paying the M5 East toll – which is currently at $24.47.
This resulted in a significant increase in heavy vehicle noise, exhaust and congestion for residents in Bexley, Arncliffe and Beverly Hills.
From February 2027, restrictions will commence on vehicles longer than 20 metres preventing them from using the Stoney Creek Road corridor with no valid exemption.
The second stage, later in 2027, will see trucks and buses over 12.5 meters mandated to use the motorway network instead.
Like the Pennant Hills Road scheme, there will be a grace period before penalties are enforced in the second half of 2027.
Exemptions will be granted for local deliveries, recreational vehicles (caravans, boats, horse trailers), servicing activities, transporting dangerous goods, and over-size loads.
Support for the heavy vehicle industry
To support the heavy vehicle industry with the changes the NSW Government is introducing two new toll relief initiatives:
- The Small Operator Heavy Vehicle Rebate will assist small operators by providing an annual rebate of up to $1000, delivered in quarterly instalments, to heavy vehicle operators who have one business toll account and three heavy vehicles or less. This will go live on 1 July 2027
- A replacement Truck Multiplier Rebate for heavy vehicles travelling on the M5 East and M8 motorways was introduced in January 2024. This rebate will be amended so heavy vehicles will only pay the same toll as car pays if they use those motorways between 9pm to 5am, which will encourage freight movements during less congested periods. This will be introduced from 1 January 2027.
NSW Motorways will be engaging closely with industry on both toll-relief schemes prior to their implementation.
Tolling direct deal completion
The Toll Reform Direct Deal that delivers toll price reductions and network reforms will be finalised today when formal documents are signed.
This builds on a comprehensive tolling reform package that delivered permanent toll relief via the current $50 a week toll cap, a proposed widening of the M7/M2, a permanent tolling ombudsman and the removal of administrative fees.
This finalisation of the direct detail ends almost more than 18 months of negotiations between the government and toll road operators that will deliver:
- 10% reduction on the Lane Cove Tunnel from 1 July 2027.
- 10% reduction on the M2 for longer journeys (80% of trips) from 1 July 2027.
- 10% reduction in the M7 distance cap from 1 January 2028 – subject to the widening decision.
- 20% reduction on the Cross City Tunnel when the Western Harbour Tunnel opens in 2028.
- 50% reduction for motorcyclists on all motorways progressively from 1 July 2027.
Quarterly tolling increase
Motorists are advised from tomorrow, tolls are increasing in line with regular quarterly indexation on the privately-owned toll roads: the Hills M2, NorthConnex, Westlink M7, M5 South-West, Lane Cove Tunnel, Military Road E-Ramp, Cross City Tunnel and Eastern Distributor.
Premier of NSW, Chris Minns said:
“This plan will get up to 1,900 trucks a day off local streets and back onto the motorways built to carry them.
“When WestConnex opened it should have taken trucks off these roads, but it hasn’t. So, we are taking tougher action to ensure that happens.
“We also know many freight operators are small businesses, so we’re providing targeted toll relief to help them make the switch.
“This is part of the bigger job we’re doing on tolls – bringing prices down where we can and making the motorway network work better for the people who use it.”
Minister for Transport, John Graham said:
“Families have had their bedroom windows rattled and their sleep disrupted for too long. From next year they’ll start getting some relief as we ban heavy vehicles from using these roads as a rat run.
“WestConnex was supposed to take trucks off local roads, but for these residents it had the opposite effect, which has been a devastating betrayal for thousands of families.
“We’re doing this in consultation with the heavy vehicle industry as part of a coordinated package of enforcement and relief.”
“I am also pleased to announce that today I will be formally signing the Direct Deal with the private toll road owners, which will deliver toll price reductions for the first time in NSW history”
Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:
“We made a commitment to get trucks off Stoney Creek Road and surrounding streets, and that’s exactly what we’re delivering.
“Clearway times will be reverted back to apply eastbound during the morning peak, and westbound during the afternoon peak.
“For too long, after the Liberals’ toll on the M5 East, nearby communities have put up with of heavy vehicles avoiding tolls, bringing noise and congestion onto local streets. Our Government’s changes will finally give locals relief.
“We’re also making sure we support the freight industry through this transition with targeted toll relief, helping get trucks off suburban roads while keeping freight moving efficiently across Sydney.”
Member for Rockdale, Steve Kamper said:
“This is a major win for our community and a commitment I have worked hard with the Government to deliver.
“For years, residents across Bexley, Arncliffe and Beverly Hills have been dealing with heavy trucks using suburban streets to avoid the M5 East toll.
“Our community has been calling for action, and now we are delivering it.
“Getting these trucks back onto the motorway network will mean fewer heavy vehicles on our local streets and safer, quieter communities for local families.”
NSW Motorways Interim Chief Executive, Camilla Drover:
“We have listened to the concerns of the community along the Stoney Creek Road corridor and are committed to ensuring heavy vehicles that do not need to be there have an appropriate alternative on the motorway network.
“This new scheme will make the best use of our road network by ensuring heavy vehicles are using the most appropriate routes where possible and taking the pressure off the most impacted roads in this area.
“The NSW Government is engaging with industry and key stakeholders on the design of the Stoney Creek Road Corridor Scheme, including vehicle classes, exemptions, local access requirements and implementation considerations.”
Bexley Chamber of Commerce President, Jeffrey Tulloch said:
“We just want to thank the government to listening to our concerns, this is going to make a huge difference to the local community and the people who regularly use these roads.
“This is a simple change which will ease congestion and noise pollution.
“We’ve worked well with the Minns Labor Government on this, and we’re proud to see today’s outcome.
“We look forward to further discussions and opportunities for feedback from our community, to ensure the proposed changes deliver meaningful impact for businesses and community.”
