The Victorian Government is expanding its High Productivity Freight Vehicle (HPFV) network, with around 3000 kilometres of road added to the pre-approved list.
Along with improving freight connections, the government is hoping the upgrades will encourage more freight operators to “invest in newer, safer and cleaner vehicles”.
“These upgrades will deliver stronger, safer and more reliable roads for the freight industry – meaning farmers and suppliers will be able to get their goods to market much more efficiently,” said Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll.
The new networks will be published online and include key freight routes along the Bass Highway, Murray Valley Highway, Wimmera Highway and Ballarat-Maryborough Road.
“High Productivity Freight Vehicles are safer and more efficient modern vehicles that will reduce the number of truck trips needed on the network. A-doubles that meet the HPFV specifications, which include strict safety and emissions requirements, will have improved access on these routes,” the Victorian Government said in a statement.
“In addition, the government is also issuing six new A-double tanker networks to help streamline the transportation of milk and other liquids across the state. These routes have been developed with industry and tailored specifically to A-double tankers, which have different specifications and requirements to other A-doubles on the network.”
“These routes will provide more simple, safe and connected journeys for the movement of key products such as milk, grain and livestock in regional Victoria.”
Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne added, “This is a win for farmers, businesses, freight operators and the community by reducing freight costs and encouraging investment in safer, cleaner and more efficient trucks.
“Improving access for High Productivity Freight Vehicle’s is vital to meeting the state’s growing freight industry needs as efficiently as possible while minimising the number of trucks trips on our road network.”