Huge growth in heavy vehicle registrations in Victoria, data shows

TRUCK numbers have surged, and in some cases doubled, as the state’s booming economy pushes more big rigs on to suburban roads.

TRUCK numbers on Victorian roads have surged, with the state’s booming economy pushing more big rigs on to suburban streets.

According to new data ­obtained by the Sunday Herald Sun, the number of registered vehicles in Victoria weighing more than 4.5 tonnes rose from 63,854 in 2013 to 106,799 this year.

This 62 per cent increase far outstripped the 8.9 per cent growth in car registrations over the same period.

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The biggest growth was in registrations of articulated ­vehicles, some of the biggest trucks on the road. In five years, their total has doubled.

Traffic on Mt Alexander Rd, Moonee Ponds. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Victorian Transport Association chief Peter Anderson said population growth would push more heavy vehicles and delivery trucks on to the roads.

“This has implications for traffic and congestion which is why we welcome measures to encourage greater use of public transport and improve productivity for freight operators,” he said.

Victoria’s freight volumes are expected to more than double by 2051. And Mr ­Anderson warned that Victorians should start to budget for looming cost increases.

Every transport operator would be looking to recover the 180 per cent increase in truck tolls, stevedore infrastructure charge increases from $3.50 to $47.50 per container (plus the $10.02 government charge per container), as well as ever-increasing fuel costs and insurance prices and the cost of delays on clogged metropolitan roads, he said.

Roads Minister Luke Donnellan said key projects such as the West Gate Tunnel and North East Link would help tackle growing truck numbers.

Roads Minister Luke Donnellan. Picture: Mark Stewart

“As our economy grows so does our state’s freight task — that’s why we’re investing in purpose-built, highly efficient trucking routes to keep industry moving and get trucks off local roads,” he said.

“We’ve also encouraged greater use of high-productivity freight vehicles — longer, safer and more environmentally friendly vehicles that can transport more freight more efficiently.”

VicRoads heavy vehicle services director Eric Henderson said the state had led the way on better-quality big vehicles.

“We continue to invest in new and innovative technology to improve the safe and efficient movement of freight across our roads network,” Mr Henderson said.

“This technology has the potential to not only increase the capacity of our arterial road network, but also reduce congestion and delays for freight supply chains.”

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