Doug Ford Follows Through on Promise to Eliminate 407 East Tolls and Slash Fuel Costs for Ontario Families
In a major win for commuters, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has officially removed tolls from the eastern, provincially owned section of Highway 407, fulfilling a long-standing promise and delivering much-needed cost relief for drivers in Durham Region. Starting June 1, 2025, the stretch of Highway 407 from Brock Road to Highway 35/115 will be toll-free, marking the end of all provincially tolled highways in Ontario.
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This decision, combined with a permanent cut to the provincial gas and fuel tax rates, is expected to save Ontario households hundreds—if not thousands—of dollars annually.
Tolls Eliminated on Highway 407 East: Key Details
The toll removal applies to the eastern section of Highway 407, which is owned by the Province of Ontario. This move follows the government’s earlier toll eliminations on Highways 412 and 418, and aligns with recent legislation that bans new tolls on all public highways in Ontario.
Key Benefits:
- Savings for Commuters: Daily drivers using 407 East could save up to $7,200 annually.
- Effective Date: June 1, 2025.
- Coverage Area: From Brock Road in Pickering to Highway 35/115 near Clarington.
- No new tolls will be introduced on any Ontario-owned roads moving forward.
Premier Doug Ford emphasized that these changes are part of a broader effort to help Ontarians during a time of rising costs and economic uncertainty:
“We’ll always keep looking for ways to put more money back into the pockets of Ontario families,” said Ford.
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Permanent Gas and Fuel Tax Cuts: $115 Annual Savings Per Household
Alongside the toll removal, the Ontario government is moving to make permanent the temporary gas and fuel tax cuts first introduced in 2022. These cuts had previously been extended multiple times, but now form part of a lasting strategy to provide direct economic relief at the pump.
Tax Rate Details:
- Gasoline Tax: Maintained at 9 cents per litre.
- Diesel (Fuel) Tax: Also held at the reduced rate of 9 cents per litre.
- Average Household Savings: Estimated at $115 annually.
Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy, speaking from Pickering, noted that the fuel tax relief will continue to ease the financial burden on families and support economic resilience during challenging global conditions, including U.S. tariffs:
“We are doing more to help lower costs for households across Ontario.”
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Reactions from Local Leaders and Industry
The move has been widely praised by local officials and stakeholders:
- Pickering Mayor Kevin Ashe called it a “significant step forward” that will ease commute times and household budgets.
- Durham Chair John Henry welcomed the news as “great for local economic growth” and a boost for mobility and affordability.
- Ontario Trucking Association CEO highlighted that this decision would significantly reduce trucking costs, which in turn benefits consumers across the province by easing inflationary pressure.
“Fuel is typically the second highest cost after labour. This measure will help trucking companies keep goods moving while battling rising costs.”
Broader Economic Context
These policy changes are timely, coming amid concerns over inflation, high living costs, and international trade uncertainties. With the 2025 Ontario Budget set to be released on Thursday, these transportation cost relief measures form a core part of the province’s fiscal strategy for the year ahead.
The Ford government’s transportation and tax relief efforts are designed not just for short-term relief, but to foster long-term economic resilience and growth, particularly in fast-growing regions like Durham.
What This Means for You
If you live or commute in Durham Region or Eastern Ontario, these changes mean:
- No more tolls on your route via 407 East starting June 1, 2025.
- Lower fuel costs every time you fill up.
- Fewer financial barriers for everyday commuting, freight transport, and business operations.
Final Thoughts
The removal of tolls on Highway 407 East and the permanent reduction in fuel taxes represent a tangible effort by the Ontario government to ease cost-of-living pressures and support both families and businesses in the province.
With commute savings up to $7,200 per year and continued fuel tax relief, these measures are set to deliver meaningful financial benefits to millions of Ontarians—just as promised.