Peak body Road Freight NSW (RFNSW) has welcomed the trial of new sensor technology aimed at warning truck drivers of overheight loads, as the Minns Government announced a dramatic reduction in the number of overheight truck incidents on Sydney roads.
The six-month trial, combining Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) scanning technology with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) software, will give drivers 'real-time' height readings on vehicles over four-metres. As they pass under the sensors, their number plate will be instantaneously displayed on the overhead Variable Message Sign (VMS), giving drivers enough time to change their route and avoid overheight incidents. The new technology is now operating on the southbound lanes of the M1 Pacific Motorway at the Mount White Heavy Vehicle Safety Station, north of Sydney.
The new technology strengthens the ongoing campaign by the Overheight Trucks Taskforce in reducing the number of overheight truck incidents on NSW roads. According to data released today by the NSW Minister for Roads, John Graham, in the first six months of the Taskforce's operation (July to December 2023) there was a 67 per cent decrease in total closure time minutes and a 32 per cent reduction in incidents, the lowest level in seven years. Over the same time period, in the Sydney Harbour Tunnel, there was an 80 per cent reduction in closure minutes and a 58 per cent reduction in incidents. In 2024, there has been 26 recorded incidents across the NSW network between January and June, which is 62 per cent less than the same period in 2023.
RFNSW, which was instrumental in calling for an industry-led approach to addressing the overheight truck issue, welcomed the Minns Government's ongoing collaboration with key freight transport stakeholders.
RFNSW Chief Executive said: "This is fantastic news for our truckies and the wider community using NSW roads. From day 1, when we experienced several overheight incidents last year, RFNSW called on the Government to engage with industry, to develop an awareness campaign and preventative measures which would better educate drivers about the varying height limits in tunnels across the Sydney road network, particularly for those new drivers, or for those from interstate or from outside of Sydney.
"Minister Graham listened and acted on our concerns and the establishment of the Overheight Trucks Taskforce has certainly demonstrated what has been collectively achieved in dramatically reducing the number of incidents involving overheight trucks. The new sensor technology is another positive tool in further preventing disruptions on the network and RFNSW looks forward to working with Transport for NSW, NSW Police and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator in keeping our roads safer and more productive for all users."
Key Facts:
ABOUT ROAD FREIGHT NSW
Originating in 1893, Road Freight NSW (RFNSW) is the peak industry organisation for the road and freight industry in NSW and engages in advocacy, government and media relations on behalf of members.
