M1 Motorway truck safety trial from Wahroonga to Kariong
A MAJOR heavy vehicle restriction is set to be imposed on one of NSW’s busiest — and most dangerous — stretches of roads.
Hornsby
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A MAJOR heavy vehicle restriction is set to be imposed on one of NSW’s busiest — and most dangerous — stretches of roads.
Roads and Maritime Services will roll out a 12-month trial of heavy vehicle lane restrictions on 49km of the M1 Pacific Motorway between Wahroonga and Kariong on the Central Coast.
The trial, which will commence today, was rolled out by the State Government to “improve road safety, traffic flow and increased driver comfort”.
In 2016 and 2017, two people died in crashes on the M1 between Wahroonga and the Hawkesbury River Bridge, while a total of 64 people were seriously injured.
“More than 75,000 cars and 7000 heavy vehicles travel between Sydney and the Central Coast every day,” an RMS spokesman said.
“This section of the M1 Motorway was chosen as it carries a large volume of heavy vehicle traffic, coupled with multiple uphill and downhill sections and a high-speed limit.
“Results of similar trials in other states and overseas show when heavy vehicles are restricted from the far right lane on motorways, traffic flows more smoothly for all road users and there are fewer lane changes making the road safer for everyone.”
Trucks and buses will be restricted to certain lanes between the Edgeworth David Drive overpass at Wahroonga and the M1 interchange at Kariong in both north and southbound directions.
Brooklyn resident Di Bowles has called for an inquiry or research investigation into increasing safety on the M1.
“Every time there is an accident there is an outrage, but after that we do nothing,” Mrs Bowles said. “I feel that these lane restrictions are a great move forward to try something new, but we need a holistic inquiry into the M1.
“I would like to see a holistic approach for the entire M1, they could consider the variable speed limits, accident locations and the way people use the roads.”
NSW Police Traffic and Highway Patrol Chief Inspector Phil Brooks said NSW police will enforce heavy vehicle restrictions during the trial in signposted areas.
“We will be looking out for those drivers during the restriction period and heavy vehicle operators breaching the restrictions will face a fine up to $337 or $2200 in a court-imposed penalty,” Insp Brooks said.
“NSW Police will work with RMS inspectors to ensure that heavy vehicles are abiding by this rule during that period and we have engaged with the industry to ensure compliance throughout the fleet.”
Hornsby state Liberal MP Matt Kean said similar trials have been successful in Queensland and Victoria.
“I welcome this trial which will that take steps towards a safer journey home for everyone who travels on the M1,” he said.