Watson Rd Acacia Ridge: Trucks defying heavy vehicle ban

Residents of a quiet Brisbane southside street say dozens of trucks still use it as a rat run despite a ban being in place for more than a year, as police promise a crackdown.

At least 20 heavy vehicles a day are still using a residential road on Brisbane’s southside despite a ban being in place for more than a year now, prompting local police to promise enforcement action.

A one-year trial ban on trucks over 4.5 tonnes using Watson Rd Acacia Ridge, a shortcut between congested Beaudesert and Learoyd Roads especially used to access a waste recovery facility, was introduced in the middle of last year and made permanent at the start of July.

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A ban on trucks using the road between 8pm – 6am had been in place since late 2015.

Residents of the street, alongside ALP Councillor for Moorooka Ward Steve Griffiths, campaigned hard throughout 2018 to extend the ban.

Local councillor Steve Griffiths wants trucks to use Beaudesert Road instead of Watson Road in Acacia Ridge. Thursday, February 8, 2018. Steve Griffiths poses for a photograph outside Watson Road State School for a photograph. (AAP Image/Renae Droop)

Nevertheless, truckies continue to flout the rules despite signs at both end of Watson Rd advising of the ban.

A Brisbane City Council spokesman said a one-day survey conducted during the trial ban revealed “approximately 20” trucks using the road illegally.

“Overall, the ban achieved around a 40 per cent reduction in heavy vehicles using Watson Rd,” he said.

Watson Rd Acacia Ridge is a shortcut between busy Learoyd and Beaudesert Roads. Picture: Google Maps

Residents of the street, which is also home to Watson Road State School, say the ban has made a difference but is being ignored all too often.

A resident of 17 years, Sonia, who asked we not use her last name, estimated there were still 10 – 30 trucks a day using Watson Rd.

“There’s still heaps,” she said.

“It’s not as bad as before, they don’t use their compression brakes anymore, but there’s still lots of noises.”

A neighbour, Colleen, who also asked we not use her last name, said it’s not “100 per cent better” but things had improved.

Local councillor Steve Griffiths wants trucks to use Beaudesert Road instead of Watson Road in Acacia Ridge. Thursday, February 8, 2018. Alison Pickering, Stephen Pickering, Steve Griffiths, Colette rossley and Jim Mokrzecki pose for a photograph outside Watson Road State School for a photograph. (AAP Image/Renae Droop)

Acacia Ridge Police Station OIC Snr Sgt Ian Cameron said trucks using Watson Rd is an “ongoing issue” for police.

“We will be doing an operation there very soon,” he said.

Drivers caught disobeying the ban are on the hook for a $133 fine and loss of three demerit points.

The ban applies to rigid heavy vehicles over 4.5 tonnes and all other heavy vehicle types, including B-doubles and ‘truck and trailer’ articulated trucks.