A group of residents in Altona North are threatening to block a busy bus route unless something is done to reduce the noise and pollution caused by diesel bus engines.
The 432 bus from Yarraville to Newport runs from 5am to 11pm, passing just metres from homes along McArthurs Road dozens of times a day.
Among the residents of those homes is well known Hobsons Bay identity and former Citizen of the Year, Geoff Mitchelmore, who has lived there with his wife for more than half a century.
“The buses operate for extended hours each day, and the continuous noise is having a detrimental effect on the quality of life, particularly by causing sleep disturbance and reducing general comfort and amenity in the neighbourhood,” said Mr Mitchelmore on behalf of McArthurs Road residents.
While the 432 bus route has long gone through McArthurs Road, Mr Mitchelmore said the current problems began 18 months ago when when speed humps were installed to address safety concerns.
“While the intention was to slow down vehicles and reduce risk, an unintended consequence has arisen: metro buses must slow down and accelerate over the speed humps, which results in a marked increase in diesel engine noise,” he said.
“It’s deafening.”
Mr Mitchelmore said one family was so disturbed by the noise that they sold up and moved into Altona.
He said he’d written to Williamstown MP and Roads and Road Safety Minister Melissa Horne, as well as Hobsons Bay council and Transport Victoria requesting the 432 bus be re-routed or electric buses be introduced and that if something wasn’t done, a blockade of McArthurs Road would be considered.
Ms Horne said McArthurs Road was managed by Hobsons Bay council but that she had been working with residents to address noise from buses and trucks and truck bans had been introduced in the area
She said electric buses also were on the way, though it’s understood they won’t be introduced on the 432 route until the end of the current contract on July 1, 2028.
A spokesperson for Hobsons Bay council said bus routes and noise concerns were matters for Transport Victoria.
Transport Victoria was contacted.
