Toll operator extends support to debt-ridden drivers

A new hardship team to help drivers struggling with soaring toll road debts will be set up by CityLink operator Transurban in response to mounting pressure to reform their payment regime.

Community legal groups have long called for changes to the tolling enforcement system, which has lumped some drivers with debts of several hundred thousand dollars.

Toll road enforcement places a massive burden on the criminal justice system. In recent years driving on CityLink without a valid pass has topped the list of charges before magistrates courts.

Victoria Legal Aid economic and social rights program managing lawyer, Damian Stock, said the support service regularly provided advice to drivers with toll road debts exceeding $100,000.

“The highest I think we’ve seen is someone with $450,000 in road toll debt,” he said. “That’s our record here.” [Click here to read the full story]