Cohen moves against B-Double trucks - 18 November 2005

In the Legislative Council Greens MLC Ian Cohen moved against B-Double trucks’ use of the Pacific Highway on the north coast.

The following was passed by the Upper House with the support of the Opposition,.

That this House:

(a) recognises the danger posed to residents and motorists on the Pacific Highway by interstate freight (especially on non upgraded sections),

(b) condemns the Government for allowing B Doubles on the Pacific Highway, as gazetted in August 2002.

“Residents are rightly up in arms about these mammoth trucks being allowed to plough through their community,” Mr Cohen said.

“These trucks are tearing the community apart. The distress residents are feeling is understandable. The whole safety of the district is under threat.

“Two weeks ago Country Labor joined in passing a motion calling for a 12 month moratorium on B-Double use of the north coast section of the Pacific Highway. Two weeks later Macquarie Street ALP has let down their country cousins.

“The Government can not just sit on its hands and hope to ride out the storm. The north coast community is galvanised by this issue in a way I haven’t seen for a long time. They will not be going away,” Mr Cohen said.

Further Information: Ben Oquist 02 92303305 or 0419704095