URGENT UPDATE: The Victorian government has confirmed a truck curfew on Williamstown Road starting with the opening of the West Gate Tunnel later this year. In a late-night social media announcement, Victoria’s Freight Minister Melissa Horne revealed that trucks will be prohibited from using this road during nights and weekends, a move that has been highly anticipated by residents in the inner west.
The curfew will be in effect from 8 PM to 6 AM every night, and additionally from 8 PM on Fridays until 6 AM on Mondays. Horne stated, “It’s been a huge amount of work to get to this point where we can have truck bans on Williamstown Road at nights and weekends.” This decision comes as a relief to many who feared that tolls on the West Gate Tunnel would push truck drivers to avoid costs by using local roads instead.
Residents had expressed concerns about increased truck traffic, which they described as “punishing.” The new curfew aims to alleviate these worries and enhance the quality of life in the Yarraville area. Horne emphasized the significance of the announcement, stating, “This is a game changer for the inner west.”
Katie Hall MP, representing Footscray, echoed this sentiment, thanking the Department of Transport for their efforts. “This is one of the proudest things I’ve achieved as an MP,” she remarked, indicating that further details about the implementation will be shared in the coming week.
The Department of Transport has been actively involved in addressing community concerns, and this latest announcement marks a pivotal moment for residents who have long advocated for truck restrictions on local roads.
As the opening of the West Gate Tunnel approaches, all eyes will be on how these curfews will affect traffic patterns and local community dynamics. Authorities are expected to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that the intended benefits of the curfew are realized while keeping the community informed on any future developments.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story continues to develop. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to share their thoughts and concerns as we move closer to the tunnel’s opening, making it clear that community voices are being heard and taken seriously.
