Trucks now banned from some Lara roads

TRUCK restrictions are now in effect around Lara, directing heavy vehicles to arterial roads and away from the town.

The City of Greater Geelong council says it implemented the measures following “strong feedback” from residents about the volume of heavy vehicles on local roads and the associated noise and amenity issues.

After detailed work with the Department of Transport, truck restrictions have been introduced on the following roads:

• Little River Ripley Road, between Sandy Creek Road and You Yangs Road
• Farrars Road, between You Yangs Road and Branch Road
• Branch Road, between Forest Road North and Farrars Road, and
• Forest Road North between Windermere Road and Station Lake Road.

The truck restrictions prevent vehicles heavier than 4.5 tonnes passing without a relevant permit, unless the driver is loading or unloading in the area and no alternative route is available.

These exceptions will allow:

• Primary producers on roads such as Little River Ripley Road to get access to their properties
• Trucks to get access to residential development sites, and
• Trucks to deliver to supermarkets and other retailers.

Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher said the truck bans were among 179 actions contained in the Lara Traffic Management Plan 2019-29.

“The 10-year-plan is an extensive catalogue of works to deliver long-lasting improvements to all road users around Lara and Little River.

Windermere Ward councillor Kylie Grzybek said addressing truck movements around Lara and Little River was a key priority of the plan.

“We have listened and acted on residents’ concerns about the increased number of trucks using local roads and the impact it had on their quality of life.

“The measures will direct non-essential heavy vehicles to the major arterial network, ahead of further road upgrades and truck bans around the quarries in the area.

“Residents can be assured that initiatives are being rolled out, with the last of the short-term actions in the plan to be delivered in the coming months.”