Key Takeaways:
- The closure of the Fremantle Bridge in six weeks is expected to have a severe impact on the road network and create significant delays.
- Transport authorities are considering limiting truck movements across Stirling Bridge during peak hours, which could drive up transport costs and consumer prices.
- The transport industry is opposing the idea, suggesting alternative solutions such as allowing modern trucks to operate at night and on weekends.
- Industry leaders estimate that limiting truck movements could increase trucking costs by 20-30%, leading to higher consumer prices.
- The use of High Productivity Freight Vehicles (HPFV) could reduce the number of trucks on the road by 30% and alleviate congestion.
Introduction to the Fremantle Bridge Closure
The Fremantle Bridge is set to close in six weeks for a year-long reconstruction project, which is expected to have a significant impact on the road network. The bridge’s closure will divert traffic to the nearby Stirling Bridge, causing congestion and delays. Transport authorities are predicting a "severe" impact on the road network, with Transport Minister Rita Saffioti flagging the possibility of limiting truck movements across Stirling Bridge during peak hours. The transport industry is warning that such measures could drive up transport costs and consumer prices.
Impact on the Transport Industry
The transport industry is opposing the idea of limiting truck movements, citing concerns about the impact on their operations and the potential for increased costs. Brian Hack, the Managing Director of EES Shipping, a medium-sized trucking company, said that limiting trucks on Stirling Highway at peak times would drive up costs. He estimated that freight would need to be delivered later in the day or at night, creating bottlenecks and higher costs across the supply chain. Hack also noted that drivers would need to be paid penalty rates, and extra drivers and staff would need to be hired for night shifts, ultimately leading to higher costs for consumers.
Estimated Cost Increases
Cam Dumesny, the chief executive of road transport peak body Western Roads Federation, estimated that limiting truck movements could push trucking costs up by 20-30%. He noted that this would have a significant impact on consumer prices, particularly for goods that are transported by truck, such as building materials and groceries. Dumesny said that the use of High Productivity Freight Vehicles (HPFV) could help alleviate congestion by reducing the number of trucks on the road. He estimated that allowing these vehicles to operate could reduce the number of trucks by 30%, resulting in fewer and cleaner trucks on the roads.
Alternative Solutions
Rather than restricting port access, industry leaders are suggesting alternative solutions to alleviate congestion. Fremantle Mayor Ben Lawver and the Greens are supporting the use of HPFV to and from the port, which would allow for more efficient and quieter trucks. Lawver noted that most truck operations to the port are during business hours, but these could be spread further to reduce congestion. He suggested that allowing night-time running for trucks with HPFV could help shift the pressure off peak hours and avoid "carmageddon". The transport industry is also seeking incentives, such as cheaper port access, to encourage night-time and weekend operations.
Government Response
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti has said that some companies are already planning to self-regulate and change their times of operation to avoid contributing to congestion. She noted that the government is considering various measures to alleviate congestion, including changing the road network, free public transport through Fremantle, extra train and bus services, and permanent incident response teams on Stirling Highway. However, the transport industry is seeking more certainty and clarity on the government’s plans, with six weeks to go before the bridge closure. Industry leaders are urging the government to consider alternative solutions, such as allowing HPFV and providing incentives for night-time and weekend operations, to minimize the impact of the bridge closure on the transport industry and consumers.