Is it time Australia explores alternative road infrastructure funding?

Australia, we need to talk about our roads. Our local streets are taking the brunt of traffic, wearing out under the weight of drivers deterred by high toll costs, which are ever-increasing. There's a pressing need for us to reconsider the current system.

Sydney councils and motorists are feeling the strain of the existing arrangement, as tolled motorways built at the expense of local roads cause significant disruptions. Nearly half of the drivers are forced to choose non-toll roads due to steep prices, leading to overwhelming traffic congestion on local roads, especially in the inner west Sydney suburb of Rozelle since the opening of the Rozelle Interchange.

The repercussions are not only logistical but also pose safety risks. Residents are reporting near-miss accidents involving pedestrians and cars - an alarming testament to the current system's inefficiencies. Furthermore, the financial burden of repairing these overused local roads is causing concern among councils.

The current toll model evidently needs review and reform. Toll costs are expected to reach a staggering $195 billion by 2060, starkly highlighting the financial stranglehold on motorists. Yet, despite these high prices, tolled motorways remain under-utilised.

So, what could be the alternative? The idea of a London style congestion tax has often been floated as one possible solution. This system charges drivers for entering certain city areas in peak hours, thereby managing congestion and encouraging the use of public transport.

Another proposition is to enforce a general road levy with rebates for using preferred roads. This concept could balance the use between tolled motorways and local streets by removing the significant price differential. However, the Minns government has already stated it would not entertain the idea of a universal distance-based charge.

Perhaps it is time we consider a more sophisticated mix of solutions that not only address vehicular congestion but also promote more sustainable forms of transport. Fleetingly, certain measures such as truck multipliers and quarterly rebates have been implemented to push trucks off local roads and prioritise efficient freight movement.

Although change will be challenging, it’s clear that a more equitable, efficient and safer traffic management system needs to be devised. The status quo is no longer sustainable, and a shift in approach could potentially yield broad benefits for Australian motorists and local communities alike. The time for considering alternatives to our present model is now.