Noise plan too late for leader

Jessica Benton
GOVERNMENT plans to cut truck noise on Geelong’s bypass have come too late for a former Waurn Ponds resident.
Kevin Brownlee initiated a petition against the noise but said it had forced him to trade his Waurn Ponds home for a quieter neighbourhood earlier this year.
“There was no improvement and we were fed up. Vicroads was dragging their heels so we moved,” Mr Brownlee said.
“My interest (in the issue) has waned a little but I realise it’s still a big problem for the residents who live there.”
The Independent revealed in August that residents wanted Vicroads and Victoria Police to stop engine brake “abusers”, saying the noise was shattering their peace day and night.
Subsequent Independent reports detailed the residents’ battle until it reached the floor of State Parliament late last year.
This week Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas announced the Government would install new sound-activated cameras to nab truck drivers using noisy engine braking on the bypass.
Mr Pallas said the cameras would begin their “surveillance and enforcement” role next month.
“We understand people are concerned about trucks on our roads,” he said.
“Not all heavy vehicles emit excessive noise but load-engine brakes are inappropriate in built-up areas and can affect a community’s quality of life.”
Mr Pallas said the Government would send owners of trucks caught using engine braking would receive notices of non-compliance directing them to have the vehicles tested at approved noise-testing stations.
Trucks found non-compliant would have their registration suspended.
Mr Brownlee called the noise camera system a step in the right direction but feared it would not stop the bypass noise problem.
He called for cuts to speed limits and noise limits on the bypass.
“It will be interesting to see where they put the cameras because you know what people are like: they speed between speed cameras, so what’s to stop them from doing that with the noise cameras,” Mr Brownlee said.
“Location is going to be the key if they want to catch people or stop them.
“The big thing is if they’re going to put something there it has to be policed and managed properly.”