Super B-doubles and off-peak delivereis to be trialled at Port of Brisbane to combat congestion and emissions
By Brad Gardner | August 21, 2009
The Port of Brisbane will be given more than $300,000 to test super B-doubles as part of a government initiative to combat congestion and climate change.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads will invest $320,000 in the trials, which form part of the Queensland Government’s climate change strategy.
Engineering assessments will begin next month to see if the longer vehicles capable of carrying more freight per load can improve efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions without damaging road infrastructure.
“In particular, roads, culverts, bridges and traffic-signalling systems will be assessed to determine their capacity to accommodate alternative truck-trailer configurations,” a statement from the Department of Transport and Main Roads says.
The Government will also fund grants to trucking companies to trial innovations capable of cutting fuel use and emissions.
Referred to as the FreightSmart program, the Government will establish a $400,000 fund and all transport and logistics companies will be eligible to apply for financial assistance.
The Government will match dollar for dollar up to $50,000 to successful applicants to test innovative practices, which may include off-peak freight deliveries.
“The FreightSmart program aims to both demonstrate and increase the use of innovative and greenhouse efficient freight transport and logistics practices, which also reduce urban traffic congestion by Queensland-based freight industries,” Transport and Main Roads says.
The Government will seek expressions of interest from trucking companies in October, with the aim of beginning trials in January next year.