The City of Greater Bendigo is inviting residents, businesses, freight operators and road users to provide feedback on a proposed time-based heavy vehicle curfew along Howard Street Epsom between Midland Highway and Goynes Road.
The community engagement responds to a request from the Victorian Government’s Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) following significant feedback received from Epsom residents regarding safety concerns associated with heavy vehicle movements through the area, particularly during peak periods when school and commuter traffic is at its highest.
If a trial were to proceed, heavy vehicles with a gross vehicle mass of more than eight tonnes would be restricted from using the section of Howard Street between Midland Highway and Goynes Road between 8am and 9.30am and 2.30pm and 4pm, Monday to Friday.
The restrictions would only apply during these times, with heavy vehicles able to continue using the route as normal outside the designated periods.
City of Greater Bendigo Director Presentation and Assets Brian Westley said the City wanted to hear from the broader community before any decision is made about a trial.
"Over a period of time the City and Department of Transport and Planning have received feedback from Epsom residents about the impact of heavy vehicle traffic on Howard Street, particularly around school drop-off and pick-up times," Mr Westley said.
"In response to these concerns, the Department of Transport and Planning has asked the City to undertake community engagement to better understand community views on a potential trial restricting heavy vehicle access during specific times of the day.
"Before any decision is made about whether a trial should proceed, it is important we hear from the broader community, including residents, businesses, freight operators and regular road users, about the potential benefits and impacts of the proposal.
"Howard Street is an important local transport route and carries significant traffic volumes. The section between Midland Highway and Goynes Road can carry around 1,000 vehicles per hour during peak periods, including a mix of light, medium and heavy vehicles.
"We encourage anyone with an interest in the area, particularly residents and businesses, to visit Let's Talk Greater Bendigo and provide feedback on the proposed trial.”
As part of the consultation, the City is seeking feedback on:
- Whether the community supports a trial restricting heavy vehicle access on Howard Street during peak school drop-off and pick-up periods
- Potential benefits, including improved safety and reduced heavy vehicle movements during busy periods
- Potential impacts on local businesses, freight operators and other road users
- Whether alternative routes may affect travel times and operating costs
If the trial proceeds, heavy vehicles travelling through the area during the restricted periods would be expected to continue along the Midland Highway and access the truck route via Lyons Street in White Hills.
For more information, or to provide feedback, please visit: