With the gazetted approval for B-doubles on the Pacific Highway due to expire on 1 August this year, it’s time for an objective evaluation of the relative safety in allowing B-doubles to travel the very busy and not yet upgraded Pacific Highway.
“Five years ago the government approved B-double traffic on the Pacific Highway. In the interests of public safety, it’s now time to review this,” said Upper House Greens MP Ian Cohen.
“The original approval was given without public consultation.
“Roads Minister Roozendaal needs to listen to the concerns of ordinary people in northern NSW and properly assess this opportunity to remove B-doubles from the Pacific Highway.
“Freight travelling long distances should really be on the railway. Approximately 10 per cent of freight is moved by train in Australia. This does not compare favourably with other OECD countries.
“It’s time this state got serious about getting freight off the roads and on to rail.
“Any decision to renew B-double use of the Pacific Highway should be based on an objective evaluation of safety and freight efficiency (including greenhouse gas emissions), and not on a simple lobby from the trucking companies,” Mr Cohen said.
Further Information: Ian Cohen: 0409 989 466
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