Highway 407 East Is Now Toll-Free: Here’s What Ontario Drivers Need to Know
Ontario drivers can now cruise a portion of Highway 407 without worrying about tolls. Starting June 1, 2025, the provincially owned stretch of Highway 407 East — from Brock Road in Pickering to Highway 35/115 in Clarington — is officially toll-free.
Which Part of Highway 407 Is Free?
Not all of the 407 is toll-free. The free section is Highway 407 East, which is owned and operated by the province. This runs east of Brock Road and ends at Highway 35/115.
The rest of the 407, known as the 407 ETR, remains a privately operated toll road. That tolled section stretches from Burlington to Brock Road in Pickering. If you pass Brock Road heading west, you’ll enter the tolled zone — so plan your exits wisely.
Why the Toll Removal?
This toll cut is part of a wider effort by the Ford government to make commuting more affordable and efficient. According to Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria, removing these tolls will help ease congestion and save people money.
The province estimates this move could save frequent commuters up to $7,200 per year — a welcome change for drivers in the Durham region and beyond.
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It Follows Other Toll Removals
This isn’t the first time Ontario has cut tolls. The province previously removed tolls from Highway 412 and Highway 418, both also located in Durham and provincially owned.
These changes aim to offer drivers more cost-effective alternatives to Highway 401, especially for east-end commuters.
Gas Tax Cut Now Permanent Too
In addition to toll relief, the province has also made a previously temporary gas tax cut permanent. The tax, originally lowered in July 2022, reduced Ontario’s unleaded gas tax by 5.7 cents per litre, and the diesel tax by 5.3 cents per litre. This extension is now permanent.
While this won’t change current pump prices, it means continued savings of around $115 per year for the average household.
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Looking ahead, will toll-free highways like 407 East change how you commute in the GTA? Why or why not? Share your thoughts below.
More…
- https://www.durhamregion.com/news/highway-407-east-becoming-free/article_9f0e4639-4c9c-5778-b86b-d1cb5961102b.html
- https://www.insauga.com/highway-407-now-toll-free-in-these-parts-of-ontario
- https://www.burnabynow.com/politics/highway-407-east-now-toll-free-from-pickering-to-clarington-10744773
- https://www.overheretoronto.com/ontario-permanently-cuts-gas-tax-and-removes-tolls-on-highway-407-east
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