Sydney M4 Motorway Toll-Free From Tomorrow

SYDNEY'S M4 MOTORWAY is set to go toll-free tomorrow morning, the last paid trip to take place just before midnight. Management of the M4 will be transferred Statewide Roads Limited to the NSW Government tomorrow.

Around 500 more cars each hour are expected to travel on the M4 when it becomes toll-free. According to NSW Auditor-General Peter Achterstraat, average travel time during the morning peak period will increase by 27 percent - about 6.5 minutes.

Early morning motorists may encounter delays tomorrow, with the removal of the toll booths requiring sections of the motorway to be closed from 1:00am to 5:00am.

"We expect some congestion following the toll removal as the booths are removed and motorists adjust to the changed traffic conditions," NSW Transport Minister David Campbell said.

"A 40 km/h speed limit will be in place near the toll booths for the next three weeks, so the RTA can complete lane re-alignment and markings."

Over $970 million has been paid by motorists using the M4 since it was opened in 1992.