Bayside Council is expected to officially object to the State Government on the impact of the M5 East Tunnel new toll on local roads.
A Notice of Motion to be submitted by Councillor Bill Saravinovski at tonight's Bayside Council meeting calls on the council to write to the NSW Premier to express its disappointment in the State Government decision to introduce a new toll on the M5 East, noting the negative impacts on our local road network.
"The M5 east has been toll-free east of King Georges Road," Cr Saravinovski said in his .Notice of Motion.
"Cars travelling between King Georges Road and the General Holmes Drive Arncliffe or M4- M5 Link/ are now charged up to $7.70 and $21.61 for trucks (paying with a Sydney Pass) each direction.
"The NSW Government has been busy rolling out its Clearways Program in preparation of the motorists who refuse to pay these tolls, and instead use alternate routes, such as Stoney Creek Road and Forest Road.
"Local residents and businesses will see the additional traffic filtering into our residential streets as drivers try to avoid paying this unjust toll," Cr Saravinovski said.
"Whilst the NSW Government will introduce penalties for trucks and buses using Pennant Hills Road instead of the NorthConnex when it opens later this year, no such protection has been offered to residents of Bayside.
"Trucks and buses refusing to pay the M5 East toll can continue through our Local Government area, with negative impacts on road safety, air quality, noise, travel time and road condition.
"Transport for NSW will "monitor" traffic, and confirm how many cars and trucks are now avoiding tolls.
"Bayside Council must write to the NSW Premier to express its disappointment in the State Government decision to introduce a new toll on the existing M5 East," he said.