The New South Wales government is set to trial state-of-the-art sensor technology on a raft of trucks throughout Sydney to warn drivers of potentially overheight trucks.
The automatic system will take an accurate, real-time reading of the height of a vehicle to give drivers time to manoeuvre to an alternative route and avoid tunnel incidents that cause system-wide disruptions to the city’s road network and damage trucks and infrastructure.
The six-month trial will see trucks taller than four metres scanned as they pass under the sensor, with the height and number plate information immediately displayed on overhead signage.
Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) software have been combined in an Australian first for the trial.
NSW Minister for Roads John Graham says the technology aimed at increasing awareness, not enforcement.
“I want to thank the vast majority of truckies who always know their height and their route. This technology is an awareness, not enforcement tool, it arms drivers with the right information so they can make the right decisions on the road,” Graham says.
“The NSW government remains resolute in its commitment to stopping overheight trucks from shutting down our city and inconveniencing motorists. This new technology on trial will help us strengthen the approach even further.”
The sensors come after the NSW government’s introduction of stricter punishments for drivers of overheight trucks, with six-month registration bans for offending trucks headlining the new regulations.
The implementation of the Overheight Truck Taskforce and crackdown on overheight drivers has resulted in a 67 per cent reduction in tunnel closure time across Sydney over the past six months.
The most disrupted route, the Sydney Harbour Tunnel, experienced an 80 per cent reduction in closure minutes and a 58 per cent reduction in incidents.
There were 26 recorded overheight incidents between January and June this year, a 62 per cent reduction on the same period in 2023.
National Heavy Vehicle Regulator CEO Sal Pettoccitto says the program is supported by the NHVR.
“The NHVR supports the investment by the NSW government into the use of new technologies like LiDAR scanning and ANPR software to help industry and ultimately drive greater safety and productivity outcomes,” Petrocitto says.
“This system not only enhances road safety, but also underscores our commitment to fostering innovation within the heavy vehicle industry.
“We are proud to continue our collaboration with Transport for NSW to reduce overheight incidents and ensure safer road transport for all.”
The first site is now live on the southbound lanes of the M1 Pacific Motorway at the Mount White Heavy Vehicle Safety Station, which is operated by the NHVR.
Transport for NSW executive director of customer journey management Craig Moran says the Mount White site is just the start of the trial.
“We’re starting at Mount White but aim to eventually roll out this new technology to all key heavy vehicle routes entering Sydney,” Moran says.
“We will continue to work with industry to provide the right information, at the right time, to safely plan and manage journeys and prevent disruption.
“Responding to overheight incidents comes at a huge resource and productivity cost – not to mention resulting delays and damage. Following the conclusion of the taskforce’s successful approach, Transport is taking the learnings forward to ensure our road network is safe, efficient and reliable.”
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