The road freight industry has attacked a proposal to lower the speed limit for trucks to a maximum of 90km/h on freeways and divided roads and as low as 80km/h on undivided regional roads.
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The proposal stems from research conducted by Monash University’s Professor of accident research Max Cameron.
Managing director of Ron Crouch Transport, Geoff Crouch, believes the proposals could jeopardise the safety of drivers and road users.
“I’m not aware of any recognised statistics that have used real case scenarios that would substantiate those claims,” he said.
Mr Crouch believes a lower limit would impact his business.
“Depending on the terrain between point A and point B that’s what has an impact on travel time,” he said.
“If a truck was travelling from Wagga to Melbourne it would lead to drivers being on the road for a greater length of time and potentially a greater impact on fatigue management.”
Trucking industry veteran Ron Spencer believes targeting law breakers is a better strategy than lowering speed limits.
“Our policy is 100km/h (on highways), which results in an average speed of about 87km/h.
“I think what they’ve got to do is stop the drivers (truck) who are exceeding the limit.
“It’s the same blokes every day (speeding).
“If it’s (about) safety then I don’t think changing the limit is going to achieve anything.
“If you’re doing 90km/h on the freeway it’s too slow in my opinion.”
Mr Spencer believes speed cameras should be introduced across the country and a lower limit could increase boredom among drivers.
“I think if you reduce the truck speed you’ll get more run-offs,” he said.
