The Minns Labor Government is boosting support for truckies travelling on regional roads as part of an $11.9 million investment to improve rest areas.
To increase the number of identifiable safe rest stop options for heavy vehicle drivers and improve road safety in the state's south, Transport for NSW has marked 14 new green reflector sites.
These sites serve as an informal heavy vehicle rest area and are marked by green dot style reflectors placed on guideposts.
The green reflectors mounted on roadside guide posts are a simple tool to help heavy vehicles drivers easily identify appropriate informal heavy vehicle rest stop opportunities, particularly at night or when visibility is poor.
Work is complete on the delivery of new green reflector sites along the following important freight routes:
- Burley Griffin Way: 4, 8 and 10 kilometres north of Binalong.
- Lachlan Valley Way: 17 kilometres north of Yass.
- Snowy Mountains Highway: 3 kilometres south of Bemboka.
- Princes Highway: 5 kilometres south of Cobargo.
- Olympic Highway: 8 kilometres south of Cootamundra and 5 kilometres north of Bethungra.
- Mid-Western Highway: 4 kilometres west of Weethalle.
- Newell Highway: 2 kilometres north of Narrandera and 18 kilometres south of Ardlethan
- Hume Highway: 4 kilometres south of Bowning/7 kilometres north of Yass and 10 kilometres north of Little Billabong.
- Monaro Highway: 13 kilometres north of Cooma.
Delivery of the new green reflector sites has come through the $11.9 million Heavy Vehicle Rest Stop Minor Works Program which is part of the NSW Government's ongoing efforts to improve road safety.
In addition to this investment, the NSW Government will also continue to roll out around $1 billion in lifesaving road infrastructure upgrades through its Towards Zero Safer Roads Program and the joint federal/ state funded Road Safety Program.
The NSW Government also introduced a number of measures in 2024 which will continue or expand in 2025. They include:
- The trial of average speed cameras for light vehicles in 2025
- Doubling roadside enforcement sites used for mobile speed cameras, with an additional 2,700 new sites where a camera can be deployed. Total enforcement hours will remain the same
- Seatbelt enforcement via the state's existing mobile phone cameras
- The demerit point return trial that encourages safe driving
- Releasing more ratings for bicycle helmets as part of its star rating system
- Removing a loophole to force all motorists driving on a foreign licence to convert to a NSW licence within six months
- Implementing recommendations from the Demerit Point Integrity Taskforce to stamp out rorting of the system by mainly visiting foreign nationals
- Signing the National Road Safety Data Agreement with the Commonwealth
Transport is also exploring opportunities to establish additional new green reflector sites and industry feedback is guiding this work.
Find out more information about green reflector sites and more details about heavy vehicle rest area improvements.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:
"Heavy vehicle drivers have told us how important green reflectors are in helping to easily identify a safe place to park, rest and check their loads.
"The Minns Labor Government is listening and acting in response to the feedback we've received.
"Green reflector sites are an important part of providing heavy vehicle rest stopping opportunities along NSW's State Road network.
"Marking these sites with green reflectors is a practical measure that supports the wellbeing of our truck drivers who play a crucial role in keeping our supply chains moving.
"The 14 new green reflector sites will go a long way in enabling truck drivers to stop and rest on what can be very long journeys, particularly at night."
Road safety advocate and Past National Road Freighters Association President Rod Hannifey said:
"The rollout of more green reflect sites is a big win for heavy vehicle drivers.
"Green reflector sites have made a real difference out on the road. Another driver told me it had saved their life. It's such a simple idea, but it's already saving lives.
"There just aren't enough rest stops for truck drivers across Australia, so this initiative in NSW is a huge help. It gives drivers a clear signal of where they can safely pull up and take a break.
"This project is definitely welcomed by the industry, and we're looking forward to seeing more of these sites rolled out over time."
