A Sydney man claims he has not paid a road toll since 2011, despite being an avid user of New South Wales’ toll roads.
Retiree Bob Jarvis revealed on Monday he refused to pay tolls because they breached the constitution.
‘You can only collect a debt in gold and silver, there’s no basket to throw money into anymore,’ he said.
Retiree Bob Jarvis revealed on Monday he refused to pay tolls because they breached the constitution
‘That’s when I stopped paying tolls, when the baskets went away.’
Speaking to Seven News, Mr Jarvis said the government created ‘a new form of currency’ for toll payments and it was ‘not valid’.
‘I’ve already paid my road toll in petrol excise, and they’re double dipping by charging me a toll,’ he said.
Mr Jarvis revealed the toll road provider stopped chasing him for his debts – and he had successfully escaped paying.
Mr Jarvis revealed the toll road provider stopped chasing him for his debts – and he had successfully escaped paying (traffic on Sydney’s Western Distributor pictured)
Speaking to Seven News , Mr Jarvis said the government created ‘a new form of currency’ for toll payments and it was ‘not valid’
The Sydney man was confident his argument would stand up in court if his debt was ever pursued.
‘I want them to take me to court but they won’t because they know damn well they’ll lose the case,’ he said.
Mr Jarvis urged all drivers to follow his lead and refuse to pay tolls.
‘Everybody could get away with it if everybody wanted to,’ he said.
‘It’s arguable whether a toll is considered a tax as opposed to a fee or a charge,’ lawyer Adam Ly said
While Mr Jarvis was adamant he was in the right, the roads minister condemned his actions saying every motorist who used toll roads in New South Wales was required by law to pay for the service
Lawyer Adam Ly said Mr Jarvis ‘has a point’ but the issue was not black and white.
‘It’s arguable whether a toll is considered a tax as opposed to a fee or a charge,’ he said.
While Mr Jarvis was adamant he was in the right, the roads minister condemned his actions, telling Seven News every motorist who used toll roads in New South Wales was required by law to pay for the service.