More motorists are claiming the Minns Labor Government's $60 weekly toll cap, with more than 50 suburbs joining the "$1 million club" for total cashback claimed.
We know many households are feeling the pressure, and every bit of practical support can make a difference.
More than 862,000 claims have now been made, with over $284 million returned to drivers under the toll cap since it was introduced in January 2024.
Amid rising interest rates, inflation and soaring fuel bills due to global conflict, an extra $10 million has so far been claimed under the toll relief scheme in 2026 compared to the same period last year.
That translates to 9,225 more motorists claiming cash back from the $60 cap.
There are now 58 suburbs that have surpassed $1 million in total claims paid.
Mount Druitt, Bella Vista, Coogee, Austral, Kings Langey, Oakhurst, Macquarie Park, South Wentworthville and Box Hill are the latest to join the $1 million club.
Drivers in Carlingford, West Pennant Hills, Punchbowl, Greystanes, Bankstown, Kellyville, Lakemba, Quakers Hill, Marsden Park and Castle Hill have claimed more than $2 million per suburb.
Blacktown, Auburn, Baulkham Hills and Merrylands have all claimed more than $4 million.
In Blacktown, 12,030 claims have been paid out to road users, at an average of $398 per claim.
In Auburn, the average amount returned to drivers through the toll cap is $674.
Data shows toll relief is landing hardest in the areas it is needed most, with Marsden Park, Quakers Hill, Bankstown, Kellyville, Punchbowl, Lakemba, Glenwood, Parramatta, Seven Hills and Schofields all among the top 20 suburbs claiming toll relief.
More than $100 million in toll relief remains available to be claimed for the 2025 calendar year.
Sydney became the most tolled city in the world under the Liberal-Nationals, and the $60 cap has become a crucial safety net for drivers, particularly in Western Sydney, struggling under the pinch of petrol prices and privatised toll road bills.
The former government saddled NSW motorists with a total toll bill of $195 billion out to 2060.
To ensure the toll cap is sustainable and fairer over the long term, the NSW Government will proceed with the introduction of two-way tolling on the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Tunnel when the Western Harbour Tunnel, which will be tolled in both directions, opens in late 2028 - continuing the direction set under the former Liberal government.
This corrects a long-standing inequity: Western Sydney motorists pay rising tolls in both directions on all their motorways year after year, while tolls on the Harbour Bridge and Tunnel are one-way and did not increase once between 2009 and 2023.
Drivers and riders are encouraged to check their eligibility for toll relief on the Service NSW website to claim for the first three months of this year.
Premier Chris Minns said:
"With a rate rise yesterday, families are doing it really tough, working out how to cover the basics, so every bit of support matters.
"We made the $60 weekly toll cap permanent, which means drivers don't get hit with those big, unpredictable toll bills, it puts money back in people's pockets and gives some certainty week to week.
"We're seeing that support land where it's needed most, across Western Sydney with suburbs like Mount Druitt, Blacktown, Auburn and Baulkham Hills claiming more than $1 million in toll relief."
Minister for Transport John Graham said:
"Suburbs joining the $1 million dollar club used to be shorthand for rampant Sydney real estate prices. In 2026, it is evidence that the suburbs that need toll relief the most are claiming it.
"Mount Druitt was the 50th suburb to surpass $1 million claimed and six more quickly followed.
"The rising number of claims shows just how important the permanent $60 toll cap has become to those motorists who were left with a $195 billion total toll bill by the former Liberal-National government.
"To complement toll relief we are also scrapping administration fees from mid-year, going digital with communications to drivers and created an independent Ombudsman and a Customer Advocate inside NSW Motorways."
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:
"We know that family budgets are under enormous pressure. If you're regularly travelling on toll roads, I encourage you to visit the Service NSW website to see if you're eligible and make a claim."
Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchsion said:
"Soaring petrol prices have made driving more expensive, so we really want to remind all motorists to claim their toll relief for any weekly spend over $60.
"Now that the $60 toll cap is permanent, motorists have the assurance that they won't be hit with big toll bills into the future.
