[Greens-Media] Greens call for B-Doubles to be taken off Pacific Highway

[Nic Clyde]

Media Release						                
  25 June 2007

Greens call for B-Doubles to be taken off Pacific Highway

With the gazetted approval for B-doubles on the Pacific Highway due to
expire on 1 August this year, it’s time for an objective evaluation of
the relative safety in allowing B-doubles to travel the very busy and
not yet upgraded Pacific Highway.

“Five years ago the government approved B-double traffic on the
Pacific Highway. In the interests of public safety, it’s now time to
review this,” said Upper House Greens MP Ian Cohen.

“The original approval was given without public consultation. 

“Roads Minister Roozendaal needs to listen to the concerns of
ordinary people in northern NSW and properly assess this opportunity to
remove B-doubles from the Pacific Highway.

“Freight travelling long distances should really be on the railway.
Approximately 10 per cent of freight is moved by train in Australia.
This does not compare favourably with other OECD countries. 

“It’s time this state got serious about getting freight off the
roads and on to rail. 

“Any decision to renew B-double use of the Pacific Highway should be
based on an objective evaluation of safety and freight efficiency
(including greenhouse gas emissions), and not on a simple lobby from the
trucking companies,” Mr Cohen said.


Further Information: Ian Cohen: 0409 989 466


Nic Clyde
Adviser, Greens MLC Ian Cohen
Macquarie Street, Sydney, 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3305, Fax: +61-2-9230 2267
Mobile: 0417 742 754
Web: www.iancohen.org.au