North East truck curfew trial Community engagement report

During August 2016, the community was given the opportunity to provide insight and feedback on their experiences with the curfew trial to date.

A number of suggestions were Over 500 local residents were website and via hard copy provided to us that included invited to our information sessions submissions on the truck trial comments on amending the via letterbox drop. Local business curfew. Feedback was received curfew, thoughts on safety and industry advocates and from multiple suburbs, including; improving and the benefits of the councils were also encouraged to Greensborough, Eltham, Diamond curfew. share details with their Creek and Alphington. constituents. How we engaged with you Out of these, 119 comments were The local and wider community In addition, members of the directly related to the curfew. were invited to two community community, truck industry and A Community Reference Group information sessions, where they anyone else interested were (CRG) was established in late had the opportunity to talk to encouraged to contribute to the 2015. The group comprises of a VicRoads staff and were discussion via the VicRoads online number of local residents, business encouraged to share their ideas forum, which was open for two representatives, local council and and thoughts with us. weeks. truck group representatives. The . Thursday, August 4 We ran a social media campaign to group was assembled as a guiding Banyule Anglican Church inform the community and gather body for the truck trial and has 1 Burgundy Street, feedback. Our campaign reached been essential to our decision Heidelberg nearly 53,000 individuals and making process. generated 148 comments, 25 . Saturday, August 6 shares and 243 reactions. St Margaret’s Anglican In total, 249 individual comments Church 79-81 Pitt St, were received via the VicRoads Eltham facebook page, online engagement

Summary of results

Following is a summary of what we heard from the community grouped into a number of themes. Each item of feedback was recorded and considered, and where possible, incorporated into the final design. Our response to the feedback and how it was considered is outlined below.

While we received a range of feedback and comments, only suggestions that are directly related to the North East truck curfew trial have been included on the following pages.

Details of each comment are outlined in Appendix 1

North East Truck Curfew Trial- Community feedback

Theme Comment/Suggestion

Compliance 9

Congestion 14

Curfew 19

Network wide 18

Network and congestion 9

Noise 14

Public Transport 1

Safety 13

Safety and pedestrians 7

Safety and cycling 4

Trade 12

What we heard pressure on industry and delivery Safety Below is a snapshot of the most drivers. common themes we heard for the Safety and the safety concerns of North East truck curfew trial. Some community members residents were mentioned without requested that we increase the fail during the engagement Compliance curfews to 24 hours and include period. Rosanna Road was the additional roads. main focal point, with many Compliance was raised concerned residents discussing consistently throughout all of the Network the narrow lane widths and community engagement. Many vehicles making right-hand turns. residents raised concern over still The effects of the curfew have been felt across the road VicRoads is currently working on seeing trucks using the roads a SSRIP project that aims to network. We received feedback during the curfew period and the improve safety along Rosanna perceived lack of enforcement. from residents outside of the curfew zone indicating the noted Road. Congestion increase of trucks in their areas Trade during the curfew period (10pm- Another common theme was the 6am). Trucks are now using Many traders and truck drivers congestion increase in the area, alternative routes to access their have felt the impact of the North particularly on Rosanna Road. destination. Additionally, East truck curfews keenly; their The morning and afternoon community members have concerns have been expressed peaks have seen an increase in indicated that there has been an via the CRG, information general truck traffic, as well as increase of trucks during the sessions and our online motor vehicles. VicRoads has morning and afternoon peaks. engagement web page. The released a report on the truck dominant issues are the loss of traffic counts for 2016 which A common suggestion among the produce, increased driver fatigue outlines truck movement comments was the need for and unsafe alternative routes throughout the North East. additional infrastructure, such as being used to circumnavigate the a . Curfew curfew roads. Noise There was generally a strong appetite for the curfew to be The comments that we received amended. The majority of regarding noise were positive. It comments suggest that shifting was noted that the noise, the time of the curfews would particularly along Rosanna Road, decrease truck congestion on the had noticeably dropped since the roads during the commuter introduction of the truck curfew peaks, as well as decreasing the trial.

Next steps

Once we have met with the Community Reference Group, we will submit a recommendation to the Victorian Government on the future of the curfew before the end of 2016.

Further information will be made available via the VicRoads website

Vicroads.vic.gov.au

Contact us If you have any questions or would like to be kept updated on the project, we encourage you to contact us via the details below.

Call VicRoads on 13 11 70

Write

499 Ballarat Road

Sunshine, VIC 3070 Email [email protected]. gov.au

Web Vicroads.vic.gov.au

Appendix 1- Comments received during the community engagement period.

Comments/feedback/ideas Picking up bins after midnight ‘Curfew doesn't allow traffic to Below is an appendix of ideas sometimes as early as 4am.’ ease at any point. 6am open- and suggestions for the North peak hour-school-lunch-school- east truck curfew trial; this ‘Great on the Main Street in peak hour. Finally traffic eases includes online forum posts, Eltham, have noticed the Coles and curfew starts again. Not to social media and hard copy delivery trucks being cheeky with mention time and money spent submissions. it though.’ not moving.’

Compliance ‘Trucks still using road when ‘Too many double D trucks during curfew on no policing roads.’ peak hour.’ ‘Why are trucks regularly seen along Hendersons Road, ‘Trucks still use Rossana Rd at attempting to turn left at this ‘We see trucks using our streets all hours. Rossana road is a round-a-bout? The amount of as a rat run avoiding plenty road nightmare to drive any at any times that "keep left" sign has or Rosanna road. We see a no time of the day. Double B trucks been replaced...’ trucks after 9pm sign, we've should be banned as they are never see a patrol car looking out dangerous to residents and ‘Was the curfew ever policed? I for those who disobey these cause congestion.’ start my day early, so I'll be laws.’ travelling south on Rosanna Rd ‘Eastbound traffic is highly 5.30am & almost every morning ‘Well I live in one of these roads, disadvantaged at peak times as there was a truck travelling the can tell you trucks still use the the westbound right turn arrow (to opposite direction that shouldn't roads in early hours I once rang G'borough Hwy northbound) is be there.’ vic roads nothing changed.’ held green for longer. Often barely 2-3 cars get through.’ ‘The trucks have not stopped Congestion going up and down Bolton St ‘Traffic is even more congested ‘Since the opening of Eastlink between 10pm and 6am. during the peak hours and peak there has been a pull-factor Apparently there is an exclusion drawing heavy traffic through this hours last much longer - e.g. to the ban that we weren't told area that used to take City Link traffic is still bumper to bumper at about. I'd like to know if there 1030am!!’ and the Tunnels. Now it is more have been any fines.’ attractive to avoid the tolls.’ ‘Trucks still use Rossana Rd at ‘Trucks still using road when ‘Truck curfew should also cover all hours. Rossana road is a curfew on no policing roads.’ nightmare to drive any at any morning peak traffic. Rosanna time of the day. Double B trucks road is a shocker between ‘Private rubbish removal 6:30am and 9:30am. The narrow should be banned as they are companies ignored curfew. lanes especially are a major dangerous to residents and cause congestion.’ problem with such large trucks.’

‘Costs an extra 30 minutes travel should be restricted to major Then 5t truck there on with a limit time and 14km extra drive for me roads like tulla, eastern etc.’ of no more than 40 km from to go around the curfew area. depot ?? NO heavy truck in the Often now I just wait till 6am and ‘10pm to 6am...... I'm not even city can't be too hard.’ add more traffic on peak period. on the roads then. Rosanna Nice thinking’ Road through the day is still ‘Oh please, anything you can do frightening’ to keep the huge speeding trucks ‘I just see more trucks during off Carwarp Avenue and Ersksine peak hour than there was in the ‘In theory good idea but just after Road would be appreciated.’ morning. 6 up to ten double b trucks pour down Rosanna rd You can set ‘Just a stupid bandaid solution .... Better the truckies can do their you watches by it.’ typical response to a problem work at night when there is less from pen pushers’ congestion. ‘I find it more annoying as the trucks are moving to side streets. ‘Would let the trucks run all night Can't sleep cause of the noise? I think get rid of this curfew so it and charge them a toll if they run Don't buy near a major road, makes the side streets safer. It’s between 6 and 9’ invest in soundproofing, use a major road, don't buy a house earplugs.’ on a major road and complain’ ‘Curfew does not solve anything. It means even more congestion ‘Having lived here for 30 years ‘Noticed a reduced number of after the curfew.....Stupid!’ the traffic in general has gotten trucks using Bolton Street during so bad. Having the curfew has the curfew hours. Not stopping all ‘Rosanna Road is a basket case cut down on the noise level at but definitely an improvement. between 6:30 and 19:00. Trucks night which is a good start but it's Keep the curfew. Bolton street should be banned between these not just trucks congesting the isn't suitable for large trucks. Ring hours and allowed to use roads.’ rd’ Rosanna Road during the hours of darkness.’ ‘Safety, greater risk for accidents ‘The truck curfew is brilliant. with more trucks in only 2 lanes Extend it further 8pm to 6pm. ‘Great idea let it stay.’ and congestion seems worse. Francis st in footscray has 8-6 ‘The old trying to patch the Was better when trucks could and it's an industrial area. The problem instead of fixing it. drive at night.’ main rd and Rosanna rd is 100% Driving back roads through residential.Don't listen to sooky Curfew residential areas because of poor truckies.’ road infrastructure /ponder.’ ‘Much better for drivers and ‘Stop the trucks over 5t at the 80 ‘Unnecessary, traffic ensure that residents not to have trucks km marker of the city then rail speed is slow- even lower speed moving through at such late from there to say ten drop offs. hours in suburban streets. Trucks limit maximum for all traffic to 40

kmh Burgundy St to Lower Plenty can only move to the next lane Finish the ring road to be a Rd.’ when overtaking and never go proper ring.’ into other lanes. They have lots ‘I would like to see speed limits of of trucks. Most small and large ‘It has just pushed the trucks to 40/50 kmh. 1 km exclusion zone towns have ring roads to keep use other roads like Kangaroo- around schools for parents out the majority of traffic.’ Ground - Warrandyte rd. pushing dropping kids off. Apply tolls to heavy vehicles into smaller trucks along Rosanna Rd- even ‘Curfews at night time is good. feeder roads. Not the right as a trial to see the effect.’ Fruther: the trucks travelling solution.’ along rosanna Rd at day time ‘I live nearby so appreciate the should be limisted by weight. ‘The issue for this general area is lack of engine brake noise at Need have a proper plan for the that at the end of the WRR ends night. Market trucks should be link between Ring Road and East in Greensborough the trucks in exempt- effect on all parties Link and MAKE TEH LINK particular clog up streets through should be considered. If speed Rosanna Rd was not designed to G/b, Watsonia, Banyule and was limited to 50 kmh and handle the transportation from Heidelberg and become area ENFORCED together with Ring Road to East Link.’ problem.’ effective noise limits including for engine brakes, perhaps curfews ‘Main concern is high traffic ‘Your survey doesn't include would not be necessary.’ volume of traffic, including trucks areas that have been negatively and OD vehicles during the day. affected by the ban - those areas ‘Curfew needs to be stringent. Desperately need the NE link to that trucks now go instead. There are trucks still pass prove long term relief to the traffic Trucks have increased through during curfew hours and travelling along Rosanna Rd and significantly on Chandler Hwy they are not delivery trucks. Greensborough Rd.’ with engine brakes at 4am’ Reduce speed limits, trucks drive on centre lanes.’ ‘I live in Warrandyte and since ‘We know you have designed and these curfews came into place costed linking the end of the ring ‘Yes, let's restrict heavy vehicles the trucks now use Warrandyte to road to the eastern freeway via a to day time only,!? Mix them in get through. Quit with the tunnel after the barracks.So just with the school run mums, peak bandaid measures and complete get it approved and get it in!!!’ hour traffic, commuter buses and the NE link.’ bicycle's. That's real sensible ‘How about making the "ring planning. NOT.’ ‘Happy with the curfew and have road" a "ring road".’ noticed a small difference in Network wide ‘Still see trucks on reduced noise, however it isn't Greensborough Rd after the ‘In Europe the trucks have to stay really fair as there are limited curfew. You might stop a lot but options for alternative routes. in the slow lane ie our left. They there is still trucks coming

through. The connection from Network and congestion a alternative route to go from the Ring Rd to EastLink must be north to south east.’ completed as soon as possible ‘It is a shocking driving in this as the problem during the day area during the day. It takes 25+ ‘If any government was serious time will not cease until it is built.’ minuets to drive to Heidelberg about traffic congestion in from Viewbank at peak times. , firstly build a ‘A lot of Trucks are exiting the Time to build the tunnel and take freeway/tunnel from end on the Hume hwy at Donnybrook, the trucks off minor roads.’ ring road in greenborough to the cutting thru Across to Yan Yean eastern freeway. This will split the Rd, then going across thru ‘Better noise outcomes for nearby volume of traffic heading for the Hurstbridge, Wattle Glen, residents at night has only /tullamarine/ Kangaroo ground, Warrendyte to resulted in a concentration of westgate/ tunnel interchange in Ringwood, then onto EASTLINK.’ heavy vehicle traffic during peak half . It will completely change the times, increasing travel times for dynamics of traffic and even ‘The curfew in one area has just all others. Fix it properly w. NE employment opportunities for all shifted the traffic and problems to Link.’ victorians. Also put some smart other areas.’ thinking into more off ramps than ‘A local resident, I avoid Rosanna on ramps on all major freeways, ‘The trucks, speeding cars and Rd at all costs. Far too bikes that now travel down congested; even weekends. there are not enough off ramps station/albert st to go north - Small lanes, huge trucks, no on major roads right across melbourne from freeways which south is ridiculous.’ clearways, lanes closures due to is a missed opportunity to reduce building works. Long term ‘Instead of closing half of the east thinking urgently required.’ traffic congestion.’ which is also part of an OD route ‘Darebin roads have a measured why dont u start pushing the ‘Better noise outcomes for nearby 30% increase in traffic directly as government to build the missing residents at night has only link to the M80. Greensborough resulted in a concentration of a result of these curfews. to Ringwood. Save time. save heavy vehicle traffic during peak (Reference via Darebin council). fuel.’ times, increasing travel times for So yeh, great, leafy suburbs get curfew, trucks go somewhere all others. Fix it properly w. NE else. ‘Build the road between Link.’ Greensbourgh and Mitcham that will fix the problem if you don't toll ‘Government just needs to build Not a great solution Victoads. it.’ the missing ring road link to east Give them a linked highway link and traffic through Heidelberg system to bypass suburbs and ‘Join the freeways between will dramatically ease, even greensborough and bulleen and everyone will be happier. Apart heavy vehicle traffic down tulla from people whose houses will we wouldn't need these curfews.’ and the current tunnels will have need to be acquired to build it of

course. But seriously, shuffling Rosanna rd runs through a valley ‘Sleeping at night will be near traffic around different areas and and the noise travels for kms impossible if the curfew is lifted. I hoping nobody notices is not the affecting home not just on the live on Main Road and am woken solution.’ road.’ every Moring around 6am by airbrakes and speeding trucks ‘The trucks are stopped in the ‘As a resident near the curfews, it heading past my bedroom Montmorency area during the has been much quieter at night.’ window’ night but it just makes it terrible during the day when they are all ‘I have found the truck curfews ‘It's much easier to sleep not trying to get across to Ringwood. very good. The noise from the hearing the engine brakes on We were better off when they trucks was very loud even though Main Road.’ could drive at night. The truck I live quite a distance from the traffic congestion causes a lot of roads. I now sleep far better than ‘Loving it. Now stop the hoons traffic problems. Of course what I did. Please keep them going.’ and the hotted up cars with doof we really need is the Ring Road doof music blasting at mega ‘As a resident, truck noise has decibels and my sleep will be connected to the Eastern reduced overnight, no longer Freeway.’ perfect!!!!!’ have large trucks shake house Noise overnight and wake residents. ‘I love it, I get a proper night’s Still see some trucks break sleep without being woken by ‘Please keep the truck curfews! curfew and drive dangerously loud engine brakes.’ As residents on Rosanna Rd it during the day.’ has greatly improved our ability to ‘Noticeably quieter at night sleep at night. Still trucks break ‘Truck noise greatly reduced meaning less disruptive sleeping curfew & use noisy engine brakes overnight - no longer shaking although trucks still occasionally when not needed - who is house or waking residents. Still defy the curfew. Rosanna Rd is policing?’ see some trucks breaking so congested I deliberately avoid curfew.’ it at all costs either travelling by ‘As a resident, much quieter as bus or using alternative round night with the truck curfew. Prior ‘Trucks still using their engine about routes. I also find a lot of to the truck curfew at night at brakes in particular at 11pm and truck drivers overly aggressive, 10pm you get a large amount of 5am.’ intimidating and inconsiderate noise with trucks using exhaust particularly using exhaust brakes ‘I moved into a unit on Main Road brakes and it can easily be despite signs requiring them not in February; had no idea the heard.’ curfew was only temporary. My to use them.’ ‘Trucks use their engine brakes bedroom is about 3 metres from excessively going south, even if the road, and a set of traffic the road is empty a night. lights. PLEASE keep the curfew.’

Public Transport buses and pedestrians at ‘Huge trucks charge along Para 60km/h. slow the speeds down. Rd from the north hitting 60km at ‘Truck curfew has little impact on The curve and grade of the road the crest near Airlie Rd, then public transport as not many bus make this road dangerous and slam down the dip toward Main routes run during the curfew time. intimidating.’ Rd. It's seriously scary for cars, No option for bus interchange cyclists and pedestrians. And SO from train forcing additional car ‘Whilst stopping at the noisy!’ traffic on road & into carparks.’ intersection to turn right on St James Rd you are in the middle ‘How the hell is it OK to mix B- Safety of two lanes of traffic with trucks Doubles with commuter cars at ‘Beverley Road should be a whizzing past so fast and close to any time, let alone on a narrow you that you your car rocks!’ road like Rosanna Rd?’ permanent 40 km/h zone. It is too dangerous for pedestrians and ‘Footpath disappears and there is ‘How about the trucks start cyclists.’ no clear safe path or crossing travelling in the left hand lane too point.’ and stop always clogging up the ‘I frequently use the Bulleen road right lanes!' /Rossanna road root to the airport ‘Have seen trucks drive and find it very strange that dangerously during the day. Drive Safety and pedestrians trucks are not allowed to use down right turn lane at Grimshaw these roads during these hours . l St then cut in front of traffic north- ‘Very dangerous for pedestrians say this as they are well lit roads.’ bound to cut onto freeway.’ to cross this intersection as trucks run red lights. Trucks ‘Turning right is a frightening ‘Trucks go through intersections speeding by are extremely close experience when trucks are in the too fast and are unable to stop for to pedestrians waiting to cross.’ oncoming centre lane and pass red lights.’ with only inches to spare often ‘We walk our dogs along here over the centre line.I know of ‘We need all large trucks - every day to get to parklands. many people who have lost side especially those big scary ones There is no other option. Single mirrors.’ with trailers (austral bricks?) - off lane Para Rd means trucks are the curvey cresty single-lane thundering past us within a few ‘Turning right into Banyule road is Para Rd altogether! A danger to metres of the footpath. It’s terrifying. Lanes are too narrow, all motorists, cyclists and extremely scary.’ trucks come pass within in cm's pedestrians alike as they hurtle of vehicles in the turning lane. around the blind bendy peaks at ‘So dangerous for pedestrians. There is no room for error, if the up to 60km/hr. At least the nights Walking along Rosanna Rd is truck stuffs up your dead.’ are peaceful, but come 6am it's such a risk. Have seen bins, like thunder!’ rubbish and branches all been ‘This intersection is too narrow for knocked by trucks while I am trucks to travel alongside cars/

walking close. Nearly been to the northbound traffic. The businesses and hard working knocked over several times.’ path just disappears into mud.’ blokes and ladies lives harder. Without trucks OZ stops.’ ‘No footpath along the highway. ‘There is a marked bike lane that No pedestrian access through to just disappears (northbound). ‘Runs an excavation business Watsonia station either along the Bikes are left with nowhere to go and sends a number of trucks highway or down to AK Lines and are forced to merge with the through the area affected by the reserve.’ traffic just as it changes from 60 curfews. Believes curfew should to 80kmh.’ finish earlier at around 5am. Lift ‘Seeing kids walking to and from curfew on Rosanna Rd.’ the school near here is terrifying. ‘As a cyclist Rosanna rd is a Why this narrow road is a truck complete no go zone. There is no ‘Although the curfew reduces route defies logic.’ shoulder and you continuously noise at night it is a big issue for can run off the road by trucks or local truck drivers who cannot ‘This intersection is a disaster for honked at by car drivers. Even on leave early for work. Locals need pedestrians. Cars and trucks roar the footpath it is stupid exemptions.’ past you as you wait at the lights dangerous.’ feeling like you are playing ‘As a driver of a work-supplied "chicken" with yours and your Trade vehicle Richmond-bound 06:30- kids' lives.’ 07:15 I see a lot more heavy- ‘There is no direct truck route vehicle traffic on major roads ‘Trucks don't stop for the red. It is from the Eastern Freeway to the during my commute. I therefore so dangerous for pedestrians and Ring Road. The curfews have take a series of rat runs to young school kids trying to cross.’ negatively affected my business. bypass main roads.’ It’s a logistical nightmare!!!’ Safety and cycling ‘Don't like trucks? Then stop ‘It has negatively affected my buying stuff.!!!’ ‘Trucks along single lane Para Rd business as I am unable to gain are dangerous for cyclists night access with the truck to the start ‘Unless you're going to subside/ and day. The big ones with of the Ring road during the night.’ lower truckers registration to not trailers hoon around the curvy have the same rights as every hilly end near lower plenty like ‘Trucks need to get through when other motorist, this is def bias and race cars and as a cyclist it's the roads are quieter so then it is unfair. Putting more pressure on terrifying!’ safer. Put up don't use air brake truckers to do their job in less signs. But the curfew sighs are time.’ ‘There is an excellent grade- not a good idea.’ separated bike path on the east ‘I guess they chose out if hours side that DISAPPEARS with no ‘It was fine with the trucks. All this for traffic and logistical reasons.I clear alternate route or transition has done is quieten some sooks live on the main road where on main road and make local

these restrictions have taken place, and my life isn't any different than before.’

‘The curfew is not working, where we once worked our trucks at night when the roads were empty, we are now forced to drive during daylight hours, causing more congestion on the roads and a significant increase in running costs. From a trucking perspective we always seem to be getting a rough deal. Our registration costs in most cases are 10 times more than cars, yet we are given less and less of the road to use with right lane restrictions and now night curfews.’