A new hardship team to help drivers struggling with soaring toll road debts will be set up by CityLink operator Transurban in response to mounting pressure to reform their payment regime.

Community legal groups have long called for changes to the tolling enforcement system, which has lumped some drivers with debts of several hundred thousand dollars.

New lanes open on CityLink. Credit:Eddie Jim

The hardship team will begin operating next year to help prevent disadvantaged drivers from being forced into the criminal justice system because they cannot pay their fines.

A national phone line will also give financial counsellors and community lawyers direct access to Transurban’s support team.