LNP to drive new deal for toll users

The LNP will demand a better deal for drivers from toll company Transurban if elected in 2020 but is calling for Annastacia Palaszczuk to adopt the LNP’s policy now.

Following the report of the Parliamentary inquiry into Queensland’s toll roads, which was initiated by the Opposition, LNP leader Deb Frecklington said it was time for Premier to act.

“Congestion is getting worse by the month and Brisbane drivers are forced to pay the highest fuel prices in Australia, record rego and sky-high tolls too,” Ms Frecklington said.

“We’ve heard that our toll network is under-used because it is simply too expensive, but Transurban is reluctant to reduce its charges.

“It’s time for Annastacia Palaszczuk to stand up for drivers and demand a better deal.

“Offering discounts, price bundling and other incentives to drivers would increase patronage and cut congestion across the whole road network.

“Annastacia Palaszczuk needs make a stand for Queenslanders. That’s her job.”

The LNP’s Shadow Cabinet has endorsed a range of other toll measures to be implemented if elected, including:

• Requiring Transurban to relocate its main call centre to Queensland from Manila, employing local customer service operators who are familiar with the road network.
• Work with the operator to bring in pricing mechanisms designed to encourage motorists to make greater use of existing toll roads, such as bundling, discounts and other concessional offers.
• Expanding the role of the Queensland Ombudsman to include toll road operators.
• Directing the Queensland Ombudsman to publish quarterly statistics on the total number of toll customer complaints received and resolved.
• Requiring administrative fees and charges are set on a cost-recovery basis, instead of at the maximum rates set under franchise agreements.
• Ensuring the toll operator exhausts all available avenues to collect unpaid tolls before referring to the State Government for enforcement.
• Investigating better signage and easier and more flexible ways for customers to pay.
• Overhauling the toll operator’s customer service experience KPIs.

LNP Shadow Transport Minister Steve Minnikin said the response of the Palaszczuk Government showed it was failing drivers.

“Mark Bailey has said he will ‘consider’ some tinkering with the toll system,” Mr Minnikin said

“Labor’s response is weak and its promises are paper thin. Drivers deserve better.

“Queensland urgently needs an independent Ombudsman to stick up for consumers and we need the Government to get serious about toll prices and busting congestion.”