Victoria bans trucks in the right hand lane on freeways

[Tim]

I cant help but be a smart arse sorry. That doesnt make my points less valid

If you compare us with Europe though. We have a lot less to move and we move it a lot further. Im sure up until recently there has been no real financial case for investing in a system that has not been necessary. Especially given that im not convinced that trucks play a major part in congestion in this country.
Most of these truck convoys you speak of travel up and down the hume to depots in outer suburbs dont they? The only congestion on the hume is caused by roadworks. The whole point of rail freight is moot when it comes to the issue of congestion.

As with everything in this country the challenge is in the cost of infrastructure. We just dont have the markets to support major developments.


I think its clear that our government is out of touch with what is really going on on our roads. Continually their efforts to make the roads safe for everyone just contribute to the degradation in driver skill.
"people cant think for themselves so lets legislate for them" Sounds nice in theory but what are the implications in practice.

This whole decision seems like just another case of "lets be seen to be doing something" without really doing anything at all.

[Rocket36]

You obviously don't realise that this country's freight always used to be on rail...

The infrastructure is (or was) there. It just hasn't been maintained.

[Jayse]

You obviously don't realise that this country's freight always used to be on rail...

The infrastructure is (or was) there. It just hasn't been maintained.

Or some people don't want it maintained/improved.......

[Rocket36]

Or some people don't want it maintained/improved.......

Which people? Because that sounds rediculous to me considering it's more efficient than trucks on the road. Not to mention safer for other road users, more environmentally friendly and more economical.

It is my understanding that the cost of maintaining the rail networks became one of those state vs federal govt. battles over responsibilty and funding and that's why it's ended up the way it has. Since demand for transportation hasn't stopped, opperators simply switched to roads as they were maintained/improved more than rail as there is far more public visibility of that infrastructure meaning no govt. can afford to neglect it too much.

[Jayse]

Which people? Because that sounds rediculous to me considering it's more efficient than trucks on the road. Not to mention safer for other road users, more environmentally friendly and more economical.

It is my understanding that the cost of maintaining the rail networks became one of those state vs federal govt. battles over responsibilty and funding and that's why it's ended up the way it has. Since demand for transportation hasn't stopped, opperators simply switched to roads as they were maintained/improved more than rail as there is far more public visibility of that infrastructure meaning no govt. can afford to neglect it too much.

which group of people Rocket.....

[Rocket36]

which group of people Rocket.....

Huh? What does that mean?

[edit] never mind... I don't want to argue about something that isn't even the main topic of the thread.

[Tim]

You obviously don't realise that this country's freight always used to be on rail...

The infrastructure is (or was) there. It just hasn't been maintained.

Previous generations used rail freight/transport because it was the only option. That does not mean it is the most cost effective. You are the one that mentioned that money needs to be spend on infrastructure not me. Im just pointing out the return on dollars spent in this country is never great.

In Victoria our rail network has actually decreased since the end of WW2 which interestingly is when a lot of major roads were finally sealed.

Again im not against rail freight so there is no point arguing that point with you. What I said was that it will have no bearing on congestion. So highlighting the same point repeatedly is useless. If you disagree with me then explain why you think getting trucks off the road will improve congestion and safety which were the two key reasons given for the law change.

[Jayse]

Huh? What does that mean?

[edit] never mind... I don't want to argue about something that isn't even the main topic of the thread.

Unions... but you're right. Would be a major deal if the majority of frieght was taken away from trucks and their drivers.
Back on topic: I reckon it's a great idea...especially on the WG FWY and going over the bridge!

[gavs]

Well said Tim.

Echoing another post, when I was in England visiting family, my uncle was explaining that not only are trucks banned from the right lane on a freeway, but can be heavily fined if they are caught there, something that the copius amounts of traffic cameras can easily pick up!

My biggest gripe is when a truckie will tailgate you consistantly in the right lane, getting agro for you not moving over when their truck, by law, has to have an ecu controlled 100 kph speed limiter installed, and you are already doing 110. Then you hit a hill and flog head truckie decides that he's going to try and overtake the B double doing the right thing and sitting in the left lane!

Anyone who drives from bendigo to Melb along the Calder will know which hills I'm talking about....

Jayse, unfortunately if you read the article, the big truck bottleneck, being the West Gate Bridge, is going to be exempt, so they can still sit 4 wide, doing 25kph up the bridge, then tailgate the people in front alllll the way down again. Just reinforcing that the fat bald idiot that is the Victorian Roads Minister, once again is so far out of touch with the reality on our roads it's not funny. 4 lanes city bound, coming off the bridge, then all the trucks have to try and negotiate the schamozzle that is now leading into the burnley tunnel/Montague street/Kings way etc, all the while having to keep to the left hand lanes!

Minister, you are an idiot....

[Hooligan]

Both trucks and cars have to be banned from the right lane
and should ONLY be used for overtaking.
Drivers of both types of vehicles can be held negligent for iresponsible driving
it's certain drivers that are the problem here not the type of vehicle they drive