South Australian Road Transport Association director Steve Shearer’s comments follow confirmation from the State Government that B-triples will be considered for operation in the South East.
This follows Grant District Council writing to Transport Minister Pat Conlon requesting information about the possible arrival of B-triples.
B-triple trucks, which have been operating in the north of the state for five years, are prime movers that tow three trailers, weigh up to 82 tonnes and are up to 36 metres long.
The possible introduction of B-triples across country Victoria, including the Green Triangle, has sparked a backlash from nearly 80 councils. The move to allow B-triples into the Green Triangle has been triggered by the looming bluegum harvest.
Transport company Noske Group has flagged operating modified vehicles to haul woodchips to the Port of Portland.
Mr Shearer told The Border Watch yesterday the community should embrace these trucks because they would increase road safety and reduce the wear and tear on roads by 15pc.
While anticipating a “little hysteria and nervousness” because of the size of these trucks, he said the community’s fears would fade after they started operating.
“The community will forget what all the fuss was about,” Mr Shearer said.
He said B-triples would reduce the amount of trucks on South East roads by half, also emissions and fuel consumption.
“B-triples have been travelling through northern metropolitan Adelaide for some years. They have proven not to be a problem,” Mr Shearer said.
He said these trucks would only use roads that were accessed as suitable by Transport SA.
But Member for MacKillop Mitch Williams warned road infrastructure would need to be upgraded to cope with the arrival of B-triples.
He also fired a broadside at the State Government, claiming it had failed to plan for their arrival in the region.
“There has been very little or any action from the State Government,” said MrWilliams, who claimed passing lanes would need to be lengthened to cope.
He also raised questions about whether these trucks would come into the centre of Mount Gambier and if the northern bypass could accommodate B-triples.
Meanwhile, Grant District Council chief executive Russell Peate said his council wanted more information on the impact of B-triples and whether community consultation would be undertaken.
He said council would approach a Transport SA representative to attend its next meeting to discuss the issue.
Mr Peate said the issue, which was expected to be debated at last night’s meeting, had triggered a number of initial concerns, particularly surrounding the need for road upgrades and road safety.
He said it was not clear at this stage if the $3m northern bypass route could accommodate these large trucks.
City of Mount Gambier operational services director Daryl Sexton said council was compiling a report into the impact of B-triples on the city.
No comment was available from Mr Conlon’s office yesterday.
Morello, S., (December 16th, 2008). Call for calm over ‘B-triple’ trucks. The Border Watch [online] borderwatch.com.au. Available from: SOURCE [Accessed 9 July 2009].
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