The trucking industry plan includes a trial run of B-triple (three carriage) behemoths between Sydney and Melbourne. Parking on Sydney roads will be cleared to make way - a move that is expected to be met with strong resistance from the large inner-south residential population. Local Botany Road businesses will also be detrimentally affected by the road usage changes.
Local businesswoman Frederic Caillon, the owner of Croquembouche Patisserie, said:
“I hope this isn’t going to happen. That would be dreadful. That would be really bad.”
Although her view is held by the overwhelming majority of locals, the trucking industry lobby is powering all pistons ahead in turning the plan into a reality. The advantage of the B-triple trucks is the capacity to carry more goods in fewer trips between Sydney and Melbourne. Large truck stops are planned, while a bypass at Holbrook is already under construction.
Measures to compensate for the loss of parking spaces have not been conveyed in the plan, which could be underway as early as next year. On the contrary, roads minister Duncan Gay presents a positive spin. He said:
“Arterial roads, including sections of King Georges Road and Botany Road, often allow parking. This not only eliminates the use of the kerbside lane but also slows traffic in the adjacent lane.”
Alexandria residents and shopkeepers impacted by the plan could soon be adorning their premises with banner printing and Posters warning of the negative impacts of B-triple trucks.
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