Regional transport minister points to productivity rise of a quarter at stroke of pen
It may be relatively minor in a national sense but the New South Wales road train access reform 900km of additional road network underlines how a minor shift in government inertia can unlock a trucking productivity lift of up to 25 per cent.
Road train operators can now access more routes east of the Newell Highway, making it easier for producers and manufacturers to move freight across the state.
Regional transport and roads Paul Toole points the impact for the freight industry in reduced costs and improved productivity.
“After an extensive assessment of road train vehicle performance and engaging with key stakeholders, we’ve been able to open up more than 900 kilometres of additional road network on and east of the Newell Highway to Type 1 A-double road trains,” Toole says.
“These road trains can carry up to 25 per cent more freight per trip than a 26 metre B-double which means larger loads and less trucks on the road, reducing the wear and tear on our state road network while at the same time reducing freight costs for producers.”
Toole notes the Newell Highway is the state’s “freight backbone” and allowing more access for larger vehicles would be particularly welcomed by primary producers who have been advocating for extensions to the road train network for some time.
Read how details of the rules reform emerged, here
“We’re always looking at ways to improve freight efficiency and the close collaboration between industry and Transport for NSW has meant we’ve been able to implement this significant change,” Toole says.
The governments quotes NSW Farmers member and Central West farmer Wayne Dunford emphasising the new agreement was a positive step for road train operators that would allow greater route flexibility and choice to use existing trailer stock.
“The previous restrictions on heavy vehicle movements resulted in added costs and time for farmers and freight carriers,” Dunford says.
“Opening up the network to road trains comes at an important time for grain producers who are expecting a stronger harvest after years of drought.”
The government says that under the new agreement all Type 1 tandem-axle A-double road trains transporting any commodity, except livestock, will have full access to the additional road network.
Road trains carrying livestock will only be permitted to operate on the extra 400km of the Newell Highway.