Police are urging heavy vehicle drivers to plan their trip and know their load heights after an over-height truck caused major traffic delays at Mascot earlier today, NSW Police say.
Police were called to the northbound lanes of the Sydney Airport Tunnel entrance about 10.30am today after a heavy vehicle stopped about 50 metres short of the tunnel.
The truck’s height was 4.7 metres but the tunnel has a height clearance of 4.4 metres. The truck
blocked lane one of General Holmes Drive until police escorted the vehicle to the shoulder.
Roads and Maritime together with Highway Patrol officers implemented a rolling road block at the northern entrance to the tunnel to allow the truck to be turned around just before 11am.
The closure caused significant delays to traffic travelling both north and south.
Roads and Maritime Services are expected to take action against the heavy vehicle driver.
Commander of Traffic and Highway Patrol, Assistant Commissioner John Hartley, said heavy vehicle operators, particularly those carrying over-height loads, needed to carefully plan their trips.
"Not only are there significant penalties that apply, these types of incidents can cause significant delays to other road users," Assistant Commissioner Hartley said.
"Those involved in moving oversize or over-mass freight need to be doing more to ensure that the integrity of their load is appropriate for our roads."
Roads and Maritime General Manager Compliance Operations Paul Endycott said heavy vehicle drivers need to be more vigilant.
"Every driver needs to be aware of the routes they can and cannot travel when transporting over height goods. Heavy penalties apply including licence and registration suspensions, its not worth it.
"There are no excuses for this reckless behaviour and Roads and Maritime will continue to work with NSW Police to ensure drivers comply with the rules."
