Truck curfews have been introduced on Mount Macedon Road to “increase safety for all road users” following community concerns.
Trucks weighing more than 16 tonnes can no longer use the road during school pick-up and drop-off times or on weekends.
VicRoads acting regional director northern region Brian Westley said the regulations were the result of extensive consultation between logging company HPV Plantations, local residents, Macedon Ranges council and Victoria Police since November last year.
Mr Westley said the community approached VicRoads with “concerns about speed and driver behaviour, increased pedestrian and cycling activity and the noise and debris that can come from logging trucks”.
Permanent curfews for trucks weighing more than 16 tonnes now apply on Mount Macedon Road between 8-9.30am and 2.30-4pm on weekdays, and 24 hours a day on weekends.
Trucks must also use low gear on specific roads. New road signs have been installed to advise truck operators of the changes.
“We are confident that the combination of truck curfews and mandatory use of low gears will increase safety for all road users,” Mr Westley said.
He said logging company HPV had been involved in the process from the start.
“We’ve been able to develop these truck curfews to mitigate many of the community’s concerns while also supporting the liveability and commercial interests of the region.”
Macedon Ranges council’s director assets and operations Dale Thornton said the council supported the curfews.
