The New South Wales Government is expanding its efforts to reduce over-height vehicle incidents by deploying sensor technology across Sydney’s road network.
The automatic system will scan trucks in real time and use connected warning signage to divert drivers of over-height vehicles from their routes before causing traffic headaches for motorists.
Drivers will have an accurate real-time height reading on their vehicle, giving heavy vehicle drivers time to change their route to avoid dangerous tunnel incidents that can cause system wide disruptions to Sydney’s road network and damage to critical infrastructure.
In an Australian first, Transport for NSW has combined the Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) scanning technology with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) software.
The six-month trial will see trucks taller than four meters scanned as they pass under the sensor, and their height and number plate information will be gathered and instantaneously displayed to drivers on the overhead Variable Message Sign (VMS).
The first site is now live on the southbound lanes of the M1 Pacific Motorway at the Mount White Heavy Vehicle Safety Station which is operated by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR).
The New South Wales Government has introduced a zero-tolerance approach to over-height trucks, including six-month registration bans for offending trucks, sending the message to truck owners and trucking companies that it is their responsibility to manage, along with drivers.
This crackdown in combination with the work of the industry wide Overheight Truck Taskforce, launched in June 2023, resulted in a dramatic drop in over height incidents in Sydney tunnels.
In the first six months of the taskforce’s operation (July to December 2023) there was a 67 per cent decrease in total closure time minutes and a 32 per cent reduction in incidents, the lowest level in seven years.
Over the same period, the Sydney Harbour Tunnel, the most disrupted route, saw an 80 per cent reduction in closure minutes and a 58 per cent reduction in incidents. The reduction in incidents has continued across the network in 2024, with 26 recorded over-height incidents between January and June, 62 per cent fewer than the same period in 2023.
New South Wales Minister for Roads, John Graham, said the state government remains resolute in its commitment to stopping over-height trucks from shutting down the city and inconveniencing motorists.
“This Australian-first scanning technology takes the guesswork out of load heights with real-time accurate calculations that allow drivers to act immediately and head off over-height incidents,” Mr Graham said.
“I want to thank the vast majority of truckies who always know their height and their route. This technology is an awareness, not enforcement tool, it arms drivers with the right information so they can make the right decisions on the road.
“This trial came out of the work of the Overheight Truck Taskforce that brought together the trucking industry, Transport for NSW, the New South Wales Police and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator. I want to thank the taskforce for its work which has delivered results beyond expectation.”
Transport for NSW Executive Director Customer Journey Management, Craig Moran, said, “Responding to over-height incidents comes at a huge resource and productivity cost – not to mention resulting delays and damage. Following the conclusion of the taskforce’s successful approach, Transport is taking the learnings forward to ensure our road network is safe, efficient and reliable.
“This project involved Transport Commanders on the ground, network experts in the Transport Management Centre (TMC), our journey planners, safety and heavy vehicle experts, compliance teams, and technical and engineering teams behind the LiDAR technology working together on innovative solutions.
“We’re starting at Mount White but aim to eventually roll out this new technology to all key heavy vehicle routes entering Sydney. We’ll evaluate the results of the trial in six months’ time.”
National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) Chief Executive Officer, Sal Petroccitto OAM said, “The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator supports the investment by New South Wales Government into the use of new technologies like LiDAR scanning and ANPR software to help industry and ultimately drive greater safety and productivity outcomes.
“This system not only enhances road safety but also underscores our commitment to fostering innovation within the heavy vehicle industry.
“We are proud to continue our collaboration with Transport for NSW to reduce over-height incidents and ensure safer road transport for all.”
Image: Rose Marinelli/shutterstock.com
