M2 news
Hills M2 and Eastern Distributor faster and safer as cashless tolling starts
More than 170,000 motorists will benefit today from the conversion of the Hills M2 and Eastern Distributor motorways to fully electronic or cashless tolling at 12.01am this morning.
"The conversion of the motorways is a small change but will deliver major benefits to thousands of commuters," Head of Hills M2, Craig Greene said.
"Among the greatest benefits will be felt by motorists who access Macquarie Park via the Christie Road off-ramp. Many motorists would be used to sitting in a queue waiting to move through the cash booths, however from today the days of waiting are over.
"The conversion to cashless toll collection will help to reduce congestion and improve travel times on the motorways by removing the need to queue at cash booths, increasing sign-posted speeds through toll collection points and reducing merging and weaving through cash booths.
"Motorists who find themselves unexpectedly on either of the motorways today without a valid e-TAG or e-PASS, have up to 48 hours after their first journey to call Roam Express on 13 76 26 in order to make payment.
"A number of pre-paid and post tolling products are available, making payment quick and simple.
"Motorists travelling on the motorways should expect changes to normal traffic conditions, including lane realignment and changed speed limits. Motorists are advised to plan ahead, drive with care and follow the signs.
"An interim arrangement involving changed traffic conditions will be in place on the Hills M2 during the construction of the Hills M2 Upgrade. Reduced speed limits (60km/h) and changes to normal lane configurations remain in place until early 2013. Following the completion of the upgrade, the Hills M2 main toll point will be realigned and sign posted at 100km/h."
Cashless, or fully electronic toll collection, will deliver a significant enhancement to both Motorways and follows the conversion of the Harbour Bridge in 2009 and the Harbour Tunnel in 2007.
The Eastern Distributor links motorists to the fully electronic bridge and tunnel, while the Hills M2 links motorists to Westlink M7 and the Lane Cove Tunnel, both of which have operated fully electronic since opening in 2005 and 2007 respectively.
Further information
For more information on tolling products including e-TAGs and visitor’s ePASSes, contact www.roamexpress.com.au or 13 76 26, or www.sydneymotorways.com
For more information on the Hills M2 Upgrade, visit www.hillsm2.com.au or www.hillsm2upgrade.com.au or contact 1800 196 266 or via enquiries@hillsm2upgrade.com.au.
For more information on the Eastern Distributor, visit www.easterndistributor.com.au or call 8356 2200
For up to date traffic information contact the Transport Management Centre at www.livetraffic.com or 132 701.
Media Contact: Juliana Stackpool 0400 059 982
- Media Contact: Juliana Stackpool 0400 059 982
