Truck lane ban begins

As of July 1, new lane restrictions will be in force on trucks travelling between Altona and Lara on the Princes Freeway. All trucks will be banned from the right-hand lane from the Western Ring Road interchange to Avalon Road at Lara. The restrictions will apply to all heavy vehicles over 4.5 tonnes (except buses and caravans). The restrictions are in force for 24 hours a day and any truck driver caught using the lane could be subject to a maximum penalty of $358.

After the initial introduction of the ban on the 39km stretch of the Princes Freeway, the main restrictions are to be extended to the EastLink Highway. Further extension of the scheme is being considered for the Eastern Freeway and West Gate Freeway. The scheme is also being planned to include Citylink, the M1 corridor and the M80 Ring Road.

“Freight plays a vital role in Victoria’s economy and trucks do have a very significant place on our roads,” said Victorian Roads and Ports Minister, Tim Pallas. “At the same time, it’s important our freeways operate in a safe and efficient manner and we minimise the negative impact of freight transport. This is about every road user sharing the road efficiently and safely.”

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