Trucks could be fined if they don't use Toowoomba Bypass

TRUCK drivers who are heading along the Warrego Hwy and continue to use the current Toowoomba Range instead of the Toowoomba Bypass could receive a hefty fine.

The toll point for the Toowoomba Bypass. Picture: Kevin Farmer

TRUCK drivers who are heading along the Warrego Highway and continue to use the current Toowoomba Range and James St instead of the Toowoomba Bypass could receive a hefty fine.

Currently trucking companies who use the Brisbane Urban Corridor instead of the Gateway or Logan Motorways, without a destination within Brisbane face a fine of $667.

Individual drivers face a fine of $133 and the loss of three demerit points.

Similar rules will apply to the current Toowoomba range once the Toowoomba Bypass, previously known as the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing, opens.

A Transport and Main Roads spokesperson said nothing was yet locked in regarding enforcement action.

"TMR is considering a range of compliance activities, which may include utilising existing cameras at intersections along James Street, to manage access arrangements on the (Toowoomba Bypass) and existing Toowoomba Range," the spokesperson said.

"Other activities range from industry information and education; as well as a combination of signage and on-road enforcement.

"Failure to comply with the mandate may result in enforcement action."

It will be mandatory for all heavy vehicles - vehicles over 4.5 tonnes, except motorhomes and buses - to use the Toowoomba Bypass, though there are some exemptions.

"Heavy vehicles with a local destination in Toowoomba, or that are travelling to, or from, the Warwick area via the New England Highway do not have to use the Bypass," the spokesperson said. "These vehicles are excluded from the mandating requirement as using the Bypass is not considered an efficient movement for users. The current Toowoomba Range will not be tolled."

The Toowoomba Bypass will open on September 8. It will cost motorbikes $1.15 to use the crossing, cars $2.30, light commercial vehicles $5.70 and all trucks $22.85.

A local destination in Toowoomba is defined as:

• Travelling from the west of Toowoomba (e.g. Warrego Highway west, Gore Highway) for business east of Boundary Street. 
• Travelling from the west of Toowoomba for business occurring between the Warrego Highway east interchange at Helidon Spa and Boundary Street and within. 
• Travelling north into Toowoomba on the New England Highway, or entering Toowoomba from the east and travelling south on the New England Highway. 

Tobi Loftus

Follow @tobiloftus

Originally published as Trucks could be fined if they don't use Toowoomba Bypass