About the Tolling Customer Ombudsman (TCO)
The Tolling Customer Ombudsman (TCO) provides a free and independent alternative dispute resolution process for customers of Breeze, CityLink, EastLink, go via, Hills M2, Roam and Roam Express.
The tolling customer ombudsman scheme has been in operation as a free and alternative dispute resolution process for eight years. It has operated in Victoria and New South Wales before entering into Queensland with the transition into flow free tolling.
The TCO has the power to make recommendations and decisions regarding a customer’s enquiry or complaint that falls within its jurisdiction. The tolling operators covered by the scheme have agreed that TCO decisions are binding on them. The TCO will refer matters outside of its jurisdiction to a tolling operator for consideration but will advise the customer on the limitation of its powers.
Importantly, customers still maintain their rights. If they are dissatisfied with a TCO’s decision they are not bound to accept it and may pursue other avenues of complaint resolution open to them.
Philosophy
The TCO requires that any enquiry or complaint should be resolved promptly and fairly, wherever possible, between the tolling operator and the complainant as its customer, without referral to the TCO. The TCO, when a matter is not so resolved, will provide every opportunity in processing the matter to enable the parties to settle their issues without a TCO decision.
The TCO, in the event a matter is not resolved, shall make a decision on the material provided by the parties and inform the parties expeditiously.
The Tolling Customer Ombudsman and Tolling Operators
ServiceThe TCO expects that tolling operators must have a high standard, responsive customer relations or complainants resolution service, committed to early resolution of enquires and complaints.
Disclosure
The TCO requires tolling operators to produce and provide written material together with information on their website for customers and road users about the existence and operation of the TCO. Tolling operators must clearly and immediately inform persons dissatisfied with the response to an enquiry or complaint of the existence and means of contacting the TCO.
The Tolling Customer Ombudsman’s approach
The TCO’s obligation is to act fairly and impartially with both the customer and the relevant tolling operator. The TCO does not advocate for either party in the resolution of enquiries or complaints.
After receiving an enquiry or complaint and consent form (if applicable), the TCO will:
- review details of the enquiry or complaint;
- refer the enquiry or complaint to the relevant tolling operator;
- request and examine appropriate records as authorised by the complainant from the relevant tolling operator;
- facilitate discussions between the customer and the tolling operator;
- propose mediation or conciliation, if appropriate;
- make a decision or recommendation; and
- issue a formal decision or “Determination”.
There is no appeal from a TCO decision but the complainant is not prevented from exercising his/her legal rights in any way.
