Reminder to park heavy and long vehicles safely
Published on 22 November 2024
Gannawarra Shire Council is reminding heavy and long vehicle users to act safely within the municipality’s residential areas.
Council has received an increasing number of complaints, with residents raising concerns regarding trucks travelling or parking along unapproved VicRoads heavy vehicle routes and residential streets, which is illegal under local and State legislation.
As a result of these complaints, Council’s Local Laws team will spend the remainder of the year targeting heavy and long vehicle users that are not abiding to local regulations.
“Council thanks all heavy and long vehicle users who are abiding by the rules, but we all play a role in promoting road safety,” Council Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Rollinson said.
“Long and heavy vehicles, which are often used for freight and commercial services, pose a safety risk to residents, put pressure on road infrastructure and contribute to air and noise pollution when air brakes are used and when engines are left idling prior to start up.
“Heavy and long vehicles can place the safety of residents at risk when they obscure the line of sight of drivers who back out of their driveways into street traffic, as well as reduce visibility of children and adults who need to cross the street in front of the stationary trucks.”
Heavy and long vehicles cannot be parked in residential areas, with the Kerang Saleyards an approved location. Drivers can also utilise “park and drive” options to park their vehicle overnight at heavy and long vehicle secure parking facilities. Drivers interested in these options should first contact their place of employment.
Heavy and long vehicle users are reminded that they can wash their vehicles at the Kerang Truck Wash, located at the Kerang Saleyards. Accessible 24 hours of the day, users of the truck wash will be charged a rate of $0.88 per minute (excluding GST), with the minimum charge being $3.30 (excluding GST). Access is via a token, which costs $35 and can be used at any AvData facility nationally, with locations listed at www.avdata.com.au/truckwash-locations. To purchase a token, visit the Council’s Kerang Customer Service Centre or phone (03) 5450 9333.
Residents can report instances of heavy and long vehicles parked along residential streets directly to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator by calling 1800 931 785.
Residents can report instances of heavy and long vehicles being washed in unapproved sites by submitting a pollution report online to the Environment Protection Authority Victoria or by calling 1300 372 842.
When reporting either type of incident, please include the location and time of when the vehicle was parked to assist officers in their investigations.