By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
Geelong council wants run a $120,000 six month trial banning large trucks in Malop and Mercer streets.
The trial would require “close monitoring” of surrounding streets to measure the ban’s impact, according to transport portfolio holder Cr Andy Richards.
Cr Richards said community consultation on the trial was strengthened by a stipulation that a council panel be formed to take submissions from the public.
“At the end of the day this is a trial and council is keen to see the results,” Cr Richards said.
“We’ve delivered Enterprise Geelong and delivered the CBD taskforce, now we are dealing with trucks in the city. You can’t think of one without thinking of the other.
“Council wants to ensure where the truck ban has a detrimental effect on surrounding streets that will be monitored so we come up with a solution to alleviate that problem.”
Cr Richards said extension of the ring road to the Bellarine Peninsula would help keep rucks out of the city centre.
“I look forward to seeing state and federal governments funding a road of some description, whether an arterial or freeway is matter for VicRoads.”
Mayoral candidate Cr Jock Irvine said state and federal governments should be lobbied immediately to fund the ring road extension as a freeway.
“A lot of trucks would stay on a ring road because it eliminates the stop start. We need to think about it now so it will accommodate future needs.”
The council decision includes a pre-trial monitoring program including 24 hour traffic classifier counts on all east-west streets, including Ryrie, Myers, McKillop, Kilgour and Fyans Streets.
The trial will include air and noise monitoring on selected east-west streets as well as pedestrian and cyclist counts on all routes.
A report to council said stage one of the trial would affect up to 1000 truck movements a day.
The report said extension of the trial ban to Ryrie St would require extensive consultation with
VicRoads and the Truck Operations Committee.
“The stage two trial will require significant resources to undertake signalisation modifications and civil works to ensure heavy vehicles can effectively and efficiently utilise the routes that are designated for heavy vehicles.
“These works would need to be negotiated with VicRoads regional office in advance of seeking consent for the trial via the Truck Operations Committee,” the report said.
The trial includes an exemption for trucks delivering to the central city area.
