Tuesday, 30 August 2022

Petitions

Following petitions presented to house by Clerk:

Heidelberg-Kinglake Road

This petition of residents in Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Assembly the hazards on Heidelberg-Kinglake Road between St Andrews and Kinglake when used by vehicles over 4.5 tonne. This road is a narrow winding road with lanes currently below standard of 2.4 metres. The structure of the road is unstable with no safety barriers and many blind corners, making it extremely hazardous for all road users on a daily basis, including cyclists. Along with multiple motorcycle fatalities, it has also been subject to numerous car vs truck accidents. Currently all vehicles are sent via this route by GPS, resulting in truck drivers becoming stuck and fearful due to the narrow road. Once on the road there is nowhere for truck drivers to turn off and therefore have to continue for 12kms, coming across motorists and cyclists who have, in most instances, had to stop, reverse, have hit the embankment or end up over the edge of an extremely steep embankment to allow the truck to pass. Numerous vehicles are visible over the edge of the road that cannot be recovered due to the terrain.

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Assembly:

*   Prohibit Heidelberg-Kinglake Road in the Shires Of Nillumbik and Murrindindi from St Andrews and Kinglake being used as a truck route for vehicles over 4.5 tonne

*   Install flashing warning lights in St Andrews and Kinglake townships before the roads entrance with added installation of a truck and large vehicle turning area at both ends

*   Withdrawal of permits for large vehicles to use this route (except for emergency usage, such as bushfire, accidents)