Transport boss warns road-trains and passenger cars shouldn’t mix

The association representing truck drivers says the Government didn’t consult them before opening a Covid-19 testing station in an industrial estate. Now they want it moved.

THE NT Road Transport Association says Darwin’s current Covid testing site poses serious traffic risks and should be relocated away from the East Arm industrial precinct to limit the number of light vehicles mixing with heavy vehicles and road trains.

The Covid testing station relocated from Marrara to Nebo Road East Arm on December 30, but the move has drawn a mixed response from the clinic’s neighbours.

The Road Transport Association was contacted after a number of incidents involving small vehicles blocking business driveways and interfering with traffic flow in the industrial estate and service centre.

Chief executive Louise Bilato said the testing station is in the wrong location.

“People have been queuing in front of driveways. We’ve got road train operators attempting to go about their work with the public driving around without any appreciation of the space needed by trucks to get into their workplaces to continue working,” she said.

“Despite the urgently implemented traffic management measures I just don’t think it’s ever going to be a suitable location. It should not be there. It is wrong.

“We’re disappointed the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics and industry weren’t consulted by Health prior to the selection of the Nebo Road site to stand up a critical community testing facility.

“Businesses in East Arm have every right to be frustrated. Our sector has suggested that better options for a testing centre include the Darwin Showgrounds or even Freds Pass Reserve, where large volumes of traffic can be better accommodated without business interference.

“Recently three ships were unloading containers at the Darwin port with a fleet of trucks moving containers from the port along Berrimah Road. The truck drivers reported multiple incidences of car drivers pulling out directly in front of those trucks.” cars getting in the way.

“By testing we may save a life by preventing the spread of Covid but we cannot then risk killing someone because the testing station is in the wrong spot.”

East Arm Civil, which is also near the station, acknowledged they too had issues with the testing site but had worked through some of these with the Department. “It’s got to go somewhere and we’re working on the basis it’s got to go somewhere,” HR manager Lisa Chapman said.

“We asked if they could put plain cloth for privacy and received an email that they will do that. It’s like anything new, they just had to get their planning sorted out and they’ve done that.”

Health Minister Natasha Fyles said the testing facility met the criteria for a Covid testing site.

“During the process of identifying a permanent testing site, it was important to select an area with capacity to operate in the event of potential extreme weather conditions in the Top End while maintaining high infection control measures for staff and the public,” she said.

“People who are close contacts or symptomatic are a priority for testing at the East Arm Facility. People should only attend the facility for a test if required.

“We are responsive to the feedback we receive from stakeholders including freight companies and will continue to work with them.”

Originally published as Transport boss warns road-trains and passenger cars shouldn’t mix