A MEANINGFUL review of truck curfews on Yarraville streets is hamstrung by a lack of proper infrastructure, according to Greens MP Colleen Hartland.
But Liberal western suburbs MP Andrew Elsbury claims Labor and the Greens are failing to support a solution to the issue by rejecting the need for the east-west link.
As reported by the Weekly, Maribyrnong Council is creating a truck curfew review committee to examine the curfews a decade after they were introduced in Yarraville.
The council and VicRoads will bring together community and industry groups to evaluate the success of the evening and weekend curfews in reducing impacts on Somerville Road and Francis Street residents.
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Mayor John Cumming said the curfews had reduced truck numbers during curfew hours, particularly along Francis Street, but total truck volumes were up by 9percent in the past year and growing.
“The truck curfews were put in place 10 years ago and it is now timely for a comprehensive review of their effectiveness,” he said.
“Noise pollution and air emissions from trucks are a growing concern in the local community and we need to continue to be proactive in seeking strategic transport solutions.”
Ms Hartland said the review would be hampered if the state government failed to follow through with the “shovel ready” Truck Action Plan bypass of residential streets.
The 2009 plan includes new ramps connecting the West Gate Freeway and Hyde Street to bypass residential streets.
Ms Hartland said Moore Street in Footscray had had a massive increase in truck traffic in recent years.
“Residents can’t sleep at night due to the stream of trucks rumbling past their front door,” she said.
“This review has great potential to deliver positive health and well-being outcomes for the inner-west community, but only if complemented by a commitment from the state government to build the truck bypass.” The government appears to have shelved the project in favour of a business case for the east-west link.
Mr Elsbury said the link would provide a vital second river crossing.
“This will relieve traffic pressure on the West Gate Bridge, provide an alternative route for trucks currently driving through Footscray and allow better movement between Melbourne’s east and west,” he said.
“The member for Footscray Marsha Thompson frequently makes noise about trucks in the inner west, but it’s her silence on the east-west link that’s deafening.”
The review is due to be completed by November.
