“Utes are the backbone of many families, tradies, and small businesses,” Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party of Victoria member Jeff Bourman said.
“For many people, a ute isn’t a luxury, it’s the sole family vehicle. Yet, ute drivers are being unfairly slugged with toll rates far higher than those applied to standard vehicles.”
In Victoria, utes are classified in the same category as light commercial trucks, which have toll charges that can be up to double or triple the rate for other cars.
“The system is broken. A tradie driving to a job site in Melbourne, or parents taking their kids to a doctor’s appointment, shouldn’t be forced to pay the same toll as a freight truck hauling goods across the city,” Mr Bourman said.
“These unfair tolls are another example of city-centric policy that ignores the realities faced by families and workers on the ground.”
With Melbourne’s road network already placing pressure on commuters and businesses, addressing toll fairness has become urgent.
Those living in the outer suburbs or rural areas who must drive into the city are disproportionately burdened compared to inner urban residents who can more easily use public transport or smaller vehicles, he said.
NSW has a different tolling classification, where the vast majority of utes are not subject to an increased toll rate and are classed in the same category as sedans or hatchbacks.
“It’s time to stop penalising people for driving the vehicles they need for their livelihood,” he said.
“Toll reform is overdue. Ute drivers should be recognised fairly and similarly to how they are viewed in NSW. Not treated as cash cows for toll operators.”
