Potential Saving: $4526.40 per annum – or more

Toll roads in Australia are a complete rip-off. In particular during peak periods, Sydney’s toll roads deliver no tangible benefit to the motorist, yet toll roads cost a bomb. Traffic just grinds to a halt on the major toll roads (and the major free roads) - only the drivers stuck on the toll roads can't get off or try an alternative route. Everyone stuck on a toll road in peak-hour is trapped in a linear car park - and paying through the neck for the 'privilege'. The only group benefiting from toll roads are the companies that own them.

Incredibly, the toll road trip below – common enough for people who live in the north-west sector – costs more than $4500 annually.

We tested what happens when you slash that cost to zero using established free roads.

Above: Castle Hill to the Sydney CBD via toll roads - 34km

Alternatively, try this larger version of the map

TOLL ROADS: NEED TO KNOW

Castle Hill to Sydney CBD via the following toll roads:

• M2 Hills Motorway (toll road): $4.95
• Lane Cove Tunnel (toll road): $2.89
• Sydney Harbour Bridge (toll road): $4.00 (in peak periods) 

Return Trip via the same toll roads:

• Lane Cove Tunnel (toll road): $2.89
• M2 Hills Motorway (toll road): $4.95
• (Note: no north-bound toll on the Sydney Harbour Bridge)