Toll inquiry urges better deal for drivers

A parliamentary inquiry into Queensland's toll roads has recommended reducing toll road fees and installing a special ombudsman.

Reducing toll road fees and establishing a toll road ombudsman are among a series of recommendations made to the Queensland government about the state's toll roads.

The 'Inquiry into the operations of toll roads in Queensland' report, produced by a committee of Queensland parliamentarians was released Thursday.

Its recommendations to the Department of Transport and Main Roads and Brisbane City Council include reducing fees and charges, the establishment of a Queensland-based toll road ombudsman and sharing customers' contact data with the road operator to notify them of toll fees as early as possible.

The report - a compilation of the submissions from numerous road transport stakeholders - also takes aim at the state's sole toll operator, TQ, saying the lack of competition in the industry means road users are losing out.

RACQ said that without government oversight, there is a risk of "profit maximisation" without considering "the greater public good".

Queensland Council of Social Service said there is "no pressure to offer off-peak or low-income discounts despite this being permitted within the concession agreements".

Six of Australia's 16 toll roads are located in southeast Queensland: Go Between Bridge, Clem7, Airport Link, Legacy Way, Gateway Motorway and the Logan Motorway.

The current system of tolling is "fixed tolling", meaning users pay the same amount regardless of how much of the road they use, the time of day, or day of week travelled.


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Source: AAP



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