Truck restrictions have come into effect around Lara, directing heavy vehicles to arterial roads and away from the township.
The Council has implemented the measures, following strong feedback from residents about the volume of heavy vehicles on local roads and the associated noise and amenity issues.
After detailed work with the Department of Transport, truck restrictions have been introduced on the following roads:
Road: Little River Ripley Road
Segment: Sandy Creek Road – You Yangs Road
Road: Farrars Road
Segment: You Yangs Road – Branch Road
Road: Branch Road
Segment: Forest Road North – Farrars Road
Road: Forest Road North
Segment: Windermere Road – Station Lake Road
Greater Geelong Mayor Stephanie Asher said the truck bans were among 179 actions contained in the Lara Traffic Management Plan 2019-29.
The 10-year-plan is an extensive catalogue of works to deliver long-lasting improvements to all road users around Lara and Little River," Mayor Asher said.
Windermere Councillor Kylie Grzybek said addressing truck movements around Lara and Little River was a key priority of the Plan.
"We have listened and acted on residents' concerns about the increased number of trucks using local roads and the impact it had on their quality of life," Cr Grzybek said.
"The measures will direct non-essential heavy vehicles to the major arterial network, ahead of further road upgrades and truck bans around the quarries in the area.
"Residents can be assured that initiatives are being rolled out, with the last of the short-term actions in the plan to be delivered in the coming months."
The truck restrictions prevent vehicles over 4.5 tonnes passing without a relevant permit, unless the driver is loading or unloading in the area and no alternative route is available.
These exceptions will allow:
- Primary producers on roads such as Little River Ripley Road to access their properties;
- Trucks to access residential development sites; and
- Trucks to deliver to supermarkets and other retailers.
Fellow Windermere Councillor Anthony Aitken said the truck bans were essential to improving the atmosphere of Lara and Little River.
"Strong feedback from the community helped to inform these truck bans on local roads, which will have a significant impact on the lives of residents," Cr Aitken said.
"I thank the community members who helped to shape the 10-year Lara Traffic Management Plan and drive positive change."
Other features of the Lara Traffic Management Plan include a review of speed limits on local roads; intersection upgrades; Pedestrian and cyclist safety crossing upgrades; footpath works; lighting works; drainage works, and bridge conditions works.
Residents can track the progress of the overall plan here
