Queensland may toll trucks for using Centenary Motorway as part of upgrade process
By Brad Gardner
The Queensland Government may introduce a toll for trucks using the Centenary Motorway as it looks at upgrading the network between the Ipswich Motorway and Toowong.
Minister for Main Roads Warren Pitt says the Government will look at similar tolling systems used overseas as it examines the practicability of introducing a charge on the bustling corridor.
However, it is not clear whether the Government will use London’s model as a guide, with a spokesperson for Pitt telling ATN “the planning study will focus on strategies that are applicable to motorways”.
The spokesperson says no firm decision has been made on what categories of vehicles will be tolled, but the Government is seeking feedback from the transport industry over its proposal.
ATN contacted Queensland Trucking Association (QTA) Chief Executive Peter Garske but he was unavailable for comment.
The Government will also look at setting aside bus and transit priority lanes during the planning process.
“The study team is investigating ‘best practice’ worldwide and liaising with other State Government departments to find appropriate congestion management solutions for the corridor,” the spokesperson says.
Pitt yesterday announced the Government will begin a concept planning study to look at a number of options, including charging “lower-occupancy vehicles” for using the Centenary motorway.
Pitt says the corridor is a key link in Brisbane’s road network and needs to be redeveloped to cope with traffic congestion.
“Currently the corridor has an average of about 67,000 vehicles travelling along it daily, which means the road is nearing capacity,” Pitt says.
However, it is unclear when the motorway will be upgraded with Pitt saying there has been no funding set aside for the project and no fixed construction timeframe.
Pitt says the Government will consult other departmental agencies as well as councils during the study phase.