Ontario plans to ban tolls on provincial highways

The Ontario government is looking to make a change to its highways and if its proposed legislation is passed, we could see a ban on tolls.

In a press release on Thursday, the provincial government shared details of its plans for motorists and roads in Ontario.

The legislation includes keeping the current freeze on driver’s licence and Ontario Photo Card fees permanent and automating the licence plate renewal process, along with the ban on introducing new tolls on Ontario highways.

“Our government under the leadership of Premier Ford is on a mission to keep costs down for families and businesses,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation.

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“First, we scrapped the tolls on Highways 412 and 418, now we’re protecting drivers from the costs of new tolls. Together with our cut in the gas tax and eliminating the licence plate sticker fee, we’re saving drivers hundreds of dollars every year.”

According to the Ontario government, this toll ban would go towards the Don Valley Parkway and Gardiner Expressway once they are uploaded to the province, including the 400-series highways.

The legislation would “amend the Public Transportation and Highway Improvement Act to prohibit Ontario from introducing new tolls on provincial highways and potentially require public consultation before considering new tolls.”

And on top of that, Ontario is going forward with building Highway 413 and the Bradford Bypass.

“These highways will bring relief to one of the most congested corridors in North America, helping commuters save 30 minutes a trip so they can spend time doing what matters most to them,” shares the provincial government.

As for the legislation, it will be introduced on February 20th, 2024.