From today (Friday March 28), drivers of overlength vehicles who enter Galston Gorge will face harsher penalties, including increased fines and demerit points.
The penalty for driving an overlength vehicle in Galston Gorge will skyrocket from a $2818 on the spot fine to $4633, and from six to 12 demerit points.
Transport for NSW (TfNSW) Deputy Secretary of Safety, Policy, Environment and Regulation Sally Webb said, “When a long vehicle gets stuck in Galston Gorge, the road is typically closed for about two hours which can cause major delays and can be difficult for response crews to rectify.”
Since early 2020, TfNSW has detected and issued fines to over 800 overlength vehicles in Galston Gorge.
Webb says this shows that people are ignoring the 20 warning signs on approach.
“Drivers have an obligation to check their vehicle’s dimensions and their loads, and to plan their trips to ensure they don’t break the rules,” she added.
“This increase is designed to deter rogue drivers from attempting to use a road they are clearly not suitable for and minimise the impacts for other motorists.
Galston Gorge is a busy thoroughfare between Galston and Hornsby, notorious for its steep inclines and hairpin bends. Heavy vehicles and buses that are 7.5 metres or over in length are prohibited from entering.
“Heavy vehicles over 7.5 metres need to travel via Old Northern Road, New Line Road, Boundary Road, Pennant Hills Road, Pacific Highway and George Street. It may feel like this route adds about 30 minutes to travel time but it’s much faster than getting stuck in the Gorge,” Webb explained.
There are multiple warnings on the approach to Galston Gorge, including static and active warning signs, electronic measuring devices, a vehicle length measuring bay and a vehicle length camera.
In addition to increased penalties for drivers who break the rules, the registration of the vehicle and the driver’s licence may also be suspended for a period of up to six months.
The list of fines goes on and on.
As also the quantum of fines.