Ford utes pay premium on Melb tollways

Some Ford ute drivers are paying up to 60 per cent more than their Holden counterparts to use Melbourne tollways - but it isn't because someone is picking sides in the famous rivalry between the carmakers.

Ford ute owners who thought their prized possession was a car have been receiving letters from Transurban in recent weeks that state it's actually classified as a light commercial vehicle.

That means drivers of Ford Falcon XR6 utes using the Burnley and Domain tunnels each day are paying $31.40 extra each week for the privilege compared to someone driving a Holden SSV ute.

The story is similar on EastLink where one trip from Ringwood to Frankston can cost more than $4 extra.

The premium is due to the fact some Ford utes have cab chassis which means Transurban tolls them as a light commercial vehicle which also weigh between 1.5 and 4.5 tonnes.

Cars are any vehicles not classified as motorcycles or commercial vehicles.

"Neither VicRoads nor CityLink nor EastLink register different vehicles based on whether they are for business or personal use," a Transurban spokeswoman told AAP on Friday.

Transurban said it routinely checks that vehicles are in the right class.

Drivers in the wrong class and owing tolls are given 90 days notice to change into the right class.

THE FORD UTE PREMIUM:

Airport to Southbank via Citylink

* Holden SSV ute - $7.54

* Ford Falcon XR6 ute - $11.57

Burnley Tunnel

* Holden SSV ute - $5.20

* Ford Falcon XR6 ute - $8.34

Ringwood to Frankston via EastLink

* Holden SSV ute - $7.54

* Ford Falcon XR6 ute - $11.57

Ringwood to Burwood Hwy via EastLink

* Holden SSV ute - $4

* Ford Falcon XR6 ute - $6.39