7/3/98
Transport Minister Eric Charlton today released new guidelines for the management of truck movements throughout urban areas of Perth.
The guidelines set out in a special booklet encourage truck operators to stay on designated freight routes and avoid using streets in residential areas.
Trucks subject to Main Roads Western Australia permits (generally vehicles of 19m and above) are already directed to designated transport routes.
Mr Charlton said the new guidelines encouraged all truck operators to interact with local government over road design and the provision of road services.
"If councils are aware of the needs of the road transport industry then truck operators will be more inclined to use designated routes and avoid residential areas," he said.
The booklet titled ‘Guidelines for Managing Truck Movements in Urban Areas' has input from various sectors of the community.
The taskforce comprised Main Roads WA, the WA Municipal Association and other agencies, as well as the Institute of Municipal Engineering Australia, the Road Transport Association and the Transport Workers Union.
"The publication offers advice for the enhancement of designated freight routes to make them more attractive to truck operators," Mr Charlton said.
"This includes extending the green phase at signalised intersections and the provision of wider turning areas at intersections used by trucks."
The Minister said the booklet also provided strategies for discouraging truck movements through urban areas which ranged from traditional calming treatments, like chicanes, to revamped parking policies.
He said the booklet urged municipal authorities to strike a balance between preventing unnecessary truck movements through built-up areas and the need for public transport, emergency vehicle and service vehicle access.
The guidelines would be circluated among local government councils which would be asked for feedback by the end of March. The guidelines would also be incorporated in the Metropolitan Freight Strategy to be released later this year.
Media contact: Doug Cunningham 9321 7333
