A new speed trial that sees trucks travel at 90km/h along a 10km section of Melbourne’s Monash Freeway commenced last week.
The trial will run for 18 months between Huntingdale Road and Jacksons Road.
According to a statement from the Victorian Government, reducing the speed of trucks will create greater distances between cars and trucks, helping to reduce tailgating and allow cars to navigate more safely around trucks.
The trial’s focus will determine the effectiveness of reducing the speed limit for trucks to improve road safety and reduce the number of crashes involving cars and trucks.
Minister for Roads and Roads Safety Luke Donnellan welcomed the trial.
“Around 80 per cent of all crashes on the Monash are either rear end crashes or side swipe crashes – so we’re looking at innovative ways to make Victorian roads safer,” he said in a statement.
“Reducing the speed of trucks on the Monash will only increase their travel time by one minute, but make it safer and boost the reliability of the freeway.”
Victorian Transport Association CEO Peter Anderson also said in the statement that the organisation supported the speed trial.
“The Victorian Transport Association has a long history of working with governments and statutory authorities on initiatives that produce safety benefits for motorists and productivity gains for freight operators,” he said.
“We support the Monash Speed Trial because we believe speed reductions here have the potential to create productivity and safety improvements for operators, which is good for business.”
The second phase of the trial involves banning trucks from the right hand lane to evaluate the effectiveness of the two measures together. This is set to occur at a later date depending on the trial’s progress.