Damned if I do and damned if I don't.

Tony LEE · Guru

Damned if I do and damned if I don't.

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

It is the government's job to provide required public infrastructure.
When they sub contract that job to a private company who plan it to be profitable, then the government has failed. Then making it compulsory is unforgivable.
There are no toll roads in South Australia. I reckon the first government to try to impose one would be thrown out of office.
Cheers,
Peter

Greg 1 · Guru

Same in WA. It's been brought up from time to time but would be political suicide for anyone putting up the idea to parliament.

peter67 · Guru

Tony maybe look at taking the free detour. You've earned $62.00 minus running costs plus any decent scenery along the way.

Tony LEE · Guru

Yes Peter, probably will take the scenic route. Been using the tollways from the start, but in a 16 metre long vehicle, I find the tollways more stressful than a much inferior 2 lane back road - provided there aren't too many hills ( or when I had the OKA, even gentle rises) as the HINO is about as sprightly as I am nowadays. Yes Peter, Adelaide roads are pretty good, although it is a lot easier catering for a fifth of the population, especially when there isn't a Sydney harbour sitting in the middle

Are We Lost · Guru

The most expensive part of the trip per kilometre is the NorthConnex tunnel from Wahroonga to Carlingford. Spend an extra 5 minutes or so by taking Pennant Hills Rd instead, and save around $24. Pennant Hills Rd is much faster now that the tunnel is open. Then join the M2/M7 at Carlingford.

Of course the good news is that you can now travel all the way from Newcastle to Melbourne without a traffic light or intersection.

The heavy vehicle rate (triple the car rate) is slugged for caravan rigs exceeding 12.5M long or 2.8M high. NSW residents with a toll account can get the heavy vehicle surcharge credited back. No joy for interstate travellers. Not sure about motorhomes.

The tunnel is compulsory for actual heavy vehicles, not caravans. Again, not sure about motorhomes under that weight.

-- Edited by Are We Lost on Saturday 3rd of April 2021 01:53:16 PM

Bicyclecamper · Guru

I live in NSW and they can get stuffed. Had to go to Sydney 3 years ago, made it all the way to Westmead, on Windsor road without using a tollroad. If they make me go to the hospital again,, and it is life threatening, they can fly me.

Tony LEE · Guru

My motorhome is 13 tonne so a genuine heavy vehicle and that tunnel is compulsory - which is why pennant hills road is a bit nicer to drive on

irish guinness · Member

Totally agree they would be out on their ear if they tried that

here in South Australia

Cupie · Guru

I hate toll roads & agree very much with Peter on this issue.

When traveling thru Sydney I always avoid any toll roads and traveling around mid day on Sundays I find the free alternatives very good with other motorists far more courteous than their Qld. equivalents. I like the Melbourne ring roads even if they were a bit confusing last time I was there

I find the WA roads far better than Qld's in all respects along with the rail system in the Perth area.

The Brissy Toll Roads aren't too expensive yet with Caravans attracting the normal car rates. So I always use the Gateway Toll road when heading North or for that matter I choose Toll Roads in any direction (except East that is into Moreton Bay LOL).. The access point to all is just 2 - 3 km from home & a very convenient way to bypass the city as is the toll road to the West (to Ipswich, Toowoomba, Esk Valley & Warwick etc). The nearby Gold Coast road is a freeway. Our home is in an excellent position for great access the highways in all directions, including the Motorway with a separate Bus way into the CBD. Never have to pull the van through local traffic and as I said the tolls are still reasonable.

littledick · Senior Member

I have never had a problem with Pennant Hills Rd. Current van 23ft 6in.

The tunnel will never get my use when heading South with or without van.

Dick.