Bigger B-Doubles for Victorian roads
Victoria's Labor Government, in cooperation with VicRoads, is set to trial the use of larger B-Double trucks on the state's roads in an effort, it says, aimed at reducing the number of smaller trucks using Melbourne's clogged arterial roads.
The trucks will measure 30 metres in length, four metres longer than a standard B-Double, and will weigh up to 77.5 tonnes.
Under the proposal these trucks will be allowed on major Melbourne roads including the West Gate Freeway, West Gate Bridge, Metropolitan Ring Road and around the Port of Melbourne.
If the trial is successful access will also be granted to routes from Melbourne to Geelong, Hastings, Mildura, Wodonga, Bendigo and Shepparton on a permanent basis.
Speaking at a conference on Victoria's freight future Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas said that with Victorian freight traffic expected to double in the next 20 years, the Government had to take action and that a move to larger trucks capable of carrying greater loads would reduce the total number of trucks on the roads.
"The use of these next-generation vehicles on key dedicated routes has the potential to reduce the number of trucks by almost a third and reduce emissions and the cost of travel by up to 22 per cent on these routes," Mr. Pallas said. "Suburban streets will benefit from having a freight network that efficiently moves goods on major arterial roads."
Let us know your thoughts? Are you happy to share the road with larger trucks?
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