Say no to heavier truck trial

Councillors Ned Attie and Joe Rahme were the only two of the 11 councillors present who supported a proposal by trucking company Linfox for a 12-month trial to allow access for heavy vehicles under Higher Mass Limits (HML) through the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.
A report from the council’s Director of Works and Infrastructure, recommended proceeding with the heavy vehicle trial on sections of Amy Street; Rawson Road; Clyde Street; Wellington Road; Chisholm Road; and Princess Road East, as well as allowing access across the Amy Street Railway Overbridge, subject to satisfactory assessments.
Addressing councillors, Linfox spokesperson Michael Watkins said under existing limits, the company was under-filling trucks transporting product from the Tooheys Brewery at Lidcombe by about four to six pallets at a time.
He said allowing for heavier loads would be more efficient and result in fewer overall truck movements.
Supporting a trial, Cr Attie argued that the trucks would be the same size as those in use at the moment and would simply be able to carry more product.
However resident Martin Euren, remained unconvinced and said trucks using residential streets, particularly in Amy Street at Regents Park, were already causing damage and disruption to residents and local businesses: “The residents do not want heavy vehicle traffic impacting safety and road damage, it’s a cost to Cumberland Council.”