Harsher overlength vehicle penalties have come into effect for Galston Gorge north of Sydney following a sharp rise in overlength vehicles getting stuck on the winding road.
Under the new penalties, on the spot fines will now cost $4633, an increase from the previous mark of $2818, and drivers will be issued 12 demerit points instead of six.
Heavy vehicles and buses that are over 7.5 metres in length are prohibited from entering the thoroughfare, which is notorious for its sleep inclines and hairpin turns.
Registration of the vehicle and the driver’s licence may also be suspended for a period of up to six months if they disobey the rules.
“Since the beginning of 2020 we’ve detected and issued fines to more than 800 overlength vehicles in Galston Gorge, which shows people are ignoring the 20 warning signs on approach,” Transport for NSW Deputy Secretary of Safety, Policy, Environment and Regulation Sally Webb says.
When a long vehicle gets stuck in Galston Gorge, the road is typically closed for about two hours which can cause major delays and be difficult for response crews to rectify.
“Drivers have an obligation to check their vehicle’s dimensions and their loads, and to plan their trips to ensure they don’t break the rules.
“This increase is designed to deter rogue drivers from attempting to use a road they are clearly not suitable for and minimise the impacts for other motorists.”
There are multiple warning signs on the approach to Galston Gorge, including static and active warning signs, electronic measuring devices, a vehicle length measuring bay and a vehicle length camera.
Vehicles over 7.5 metres must travel the approved route, which adds roughly 30 minutes to travel time.
“Heavy vehicles over 7.5 metres need to travel via Old Northern Road, New Line Road, Boundary Road, Pennant Hills Road, Pacific Highway and George Street,” Webb says.
“It may feel like this route adds about 30 minutes in travel time, but it’s much faster than getting stuck in the gorge.”
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