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Democrats Support Motorcyclists Protest Against Tolls
June 24th 2005


NSW Democrat MLC, Dr Arthur Chesterfield-Evans, gave his support to the protest ride taking place this Sunday across the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

"I fully support the Motorcycle Council of NSW (MCC) in their stand against paying full toll. A two-wheel vehicle should not have to pay the same as a four-wheel vehicle. Trucks are charged more than cars, but motorcycles are charged the same. This is blatantly unfair."

Dr Chesterfield-Evans said that motorcycles used to pay one quarter of the toll on the Harbour bridge, but that changed overnight when the Sydney Harbour Tunnel opened.

"This is what happens when private profits are the main consideration. In 1992 the Tunnel opened, the toll went up and motorcycles had to pay the same as cars. If we apply the smaller "footprint", lower weight and lower road wear of a motorcycle to the toll on the Sydney Harbour Bridge or Tunnel a motorcycle should be charged 77 cents, instead of $3. There is obviously a public policy advantage in having less congestion on our roads."

Dr Chesterfield-Evans said that motorcycles should be encouraged to be using Sydney's roads, not being penalised.

"Look around on any weekday at the Bridge traffic. Most of the vehicles crossing the Harbour Bridge are cars with a single occupant. 6 to 8 bikes can fit in the space taken up by a parked car. They take up far less space, emit far less Co2 and cause far less damage to roads."

Dr Chesterfield-Evans will be joining the protest this Sunday, 26 June at 10 am Hickson Road, the Rocks.

"Anyone who cares about helping the traffic flow more freely in Sydney should be there". concluded Dr Chesterfield-Evans.