HPFVs Banned From West Gate Bridge by VicRoads

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VicRoads recently banned access to the West Gate Bridge for High Productivity Freight Vehicles (HPFV) that exceed 68.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass (GVM).

According to Fullyloaded.com.au, none of the operators including those involved in the Incremental Pricing Trial (IPT) will have access to long term permits, with existing permits amended to remove access to the bridge.

A VicRoads spokesperson recently explained:

“Existing permits have been amended removing access to the West Gate Bridge above 68.5 tonne from 1 November 2016. The IPT will formally end in March 2017,”

Source: https://www.fullyloaded.com.au/industry-news/1611/vicroads-bans-hpfvs-from-west-gate-bridge

The writer went on to explain that HPFVs operating at a gross mass above 68.5 tonnes have been accessing the bridge using ongoing permits in a VicRoads trial since 2009. This has changed and they will have to now rely on Francis Street to get from the port to the western suburbs.

VicRoads has since denied claims that after the trial concludes, VicRoads will impose a “total ban” on heavier trucks.

VicRoads said that longer B-double freight vehicles can continue to access the bridge using one-off permits.

“VicRoads has not imposed a total ban on vehicles weighing over 68.5 tonnes from using the West Gate Bridge,”

“Since 2009 we’ve been trialling a system that’s provided some heavy vehicle operators – who have longer B-double freight vehicles weighing over 68.5 tonnes with permits to travel across the West Gate Bridge on an ongoing basis.”

Source: https://www.fullyloaded.com.au/industry-news/1611/vicroads-bans-hpfvs-from-west-gate-bridge

When the trial concludes, the ongoing permits VicRoads had granted to certain operators are no longer applicable.

Heavy vehicle operators can still apply for one-off permits to travel across the bridge and VicRoads will assess these applications on a case-by-case basis.

Applications will only be issued to over-size and over-mass combinations (OSOM). These are vehicles that transport certain over-size items like bridge beams and construction equipment, VicRoads explained.

VicRoads said the change will boost safety and efficiency.

“VicRoads is committed to ensuring that the West Gate Bridge can safely and efficiently accommodate the 200,000 vehicles that use it each day,”

“We’re also committed to working closely with the heavy vehicle industry to ensure the safe and efficient movement of freight across the state.”

Source: https://www.fullyloaded.com.au/industry-news/1611/vicroads-bans-hpfvs-from-west-gate-bridge

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