The Victorian government has revealed the details about its plan to introduce no-truck zones to parts of Melbourne’s CBD following the completion of the West Gate Tunnel project.
When completed and opened this year, the tunnel is set to cut travel times and take big trucks away from local roads, resulting in safer roads, improved local air quality and less truck noise in the inner west of the city.
The tunnel will provide links to the Port of Melbourne and create a viable alternative to the West Gate Bridge.
This will result in new no-truck zones being introduced and enforced by roadside cameras. The Victorian government says it’ll soon begin consulting with the industry to ensure everyone understands how the zones will work.
The 24-hour no-truck zones will be in place on six key roads in Melbourne’s inner west, including Francis Street and Somerville Road in Yarraville, Buckley Street and Moore Street in Footscray, Blackshows Road in Altona North and Spotswood’s Hudson Road.
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Trucks will be able to apply for exemptions if they have local origins and destinations, ensuring that local businesses can continue to receive and supply goods. Trucks will also be allowed for garbage collection and grocery deliveries, as well as moving houses, but no “large port bound trucks” will be able to use the six streets.
The Victorian government says roadside cameras will detect trucks in no-truck zones and enforce the new rules, with the government currently installing and testing the cameras.
“We’ll help the regulator with enforcement, focusing on drivers who continue to use local roads,” the government says.
“We’ll also hold the vehicle’s registered owner responsible for any fines if their truck is caught in a no-truck zone.”
New ramps will also be provided along Yarraville’s Hyde Street for trucks unable to use the tunnel to provide a connection that avoids the six streets in the no-truck zone.
The government says it’s also improving truck access from the west at Barnes Road and Grieve Parade in Altona North, making it easier to get onto nearby freeways.
Truck drivers using the West Gate Tunnel will also be able to access toll discounts and daily caps to make it easier for the freight industry to use the tunnel.
The government says the project will provide a crucial second river crossing for the freight industry, skipping 17 sets of traffic lights from Brooklyn to the port and providing a direct connection to the port. A dedicated route will be offered for placarded loads, while the West Gate Freeway will go up from eight lanes to 12.
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