And although plans are under way, the toll booths will not be removed until 2016.

The cash booths were rendered useless in January 2009 when all motorists switched to using electronic tags.

At the time Roads and Maritime Services said there was no set timetable to remove the dilapidated structures but that might take up to a year.

It has now been six years and nine months.

This means motorists are still slowing down to 40 km/h through the southern tolls precinct, instead of maintaining the variable speed limit of 70km/h through to the Western Distributor.

An RMS spokeswoman said plans were under way to remove the booths.

"Plans are progressing to replace the tolling system on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which will allow for the removal of toll booths and plazas," she said.

"Roads and Maritime Services is working with an external tolling system equipment company on the upgrade of roadside equipment."

The toll booths at the northern end, at Milsons Point, will remain untouched for the time being as they are included as part of the bridge on The National Heritage List.

Under the southern toll plaza precinct upgrade plans on the RMS website, the removal of the toll booths would simplify traffic movements on the southern approaches to the bridge, improve bus connections and improve safety.

The long awaited plans include removing the toll booths and the reconfiguration of the York and Grosvenor streets intersection.

"Removing the southern toll booths provides an opportunity to simplify traffic movements to the Western Distributor and northern CBD," it states.

"This would also enable continuation of the bus lane from the Sydney Harbour Bridge to York Street and provide space for bus readiness bays for buses approaching York Street in the PM peak."

A review of environmental factors outlining the work and any potential impact of the upgrade is expected to be available in coming months, an RMS spokeswoman said.

"The community and stakeholders will be kept informed of progress," she said.