Melbourne's inner west is set to see a major transformation in traffic flow as the Allan Labor Government introduces permanent No-Truck Zones across key residential routes. The move comes in preparation for the opening of the West Gate Tunnel later this year and aims to drastically improve road safety, reduce pollution, and boost livability for residents.

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Where the No-Truck Zones Apply

Six major roads will be affected by the new restrictions:

  • Francis Street, Yarraville
  • Somerville Road, Yarraville
  • Buckley Street, Footscray
  • Moore Street, Footscray
  • Blackshaws Road, Altona North
  • Hudsons Road, Spotswood

The zones will operate 24 hours a day and are designed to redirect heavy freight traffic through the new West Gate Tunnel instead of residential neighbourhoods.

What Vehicles Are Allowed?

The regulations do not apply to all heavy vehicles. Exemptions include:

  • Emergency services and police vehicles
  • Public transport buses
  • Tow trucks, concrete mixers, and waste disposal vehicles
  • Motorhomes
  • Two-axle trucks not carrying shipping containers
  • Trucks garaged within the No-Truck Zone
  • Trucks making local deliveries or involved in construction, maintenance, or repairs

These exemptions aim to maintain essential services and deliveries without disrupting the local economy or daily life.

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How It Will Be Enforced

Smart roadside cameras, supplied and installed by Sensor Dynamics, will monitor traffic and automatically detect vehicles entering restricted areas. These cameras will verify a vehicle's exemption status and record breaches. Non-compliant drivers could face penalties.

Background and Implementation

The policy is based on a 2022 trial that assessed the effectiveness of truck curfews and restrictions across Melbourne’s west. Following community consultation and monitoring, the new zones were deemed necessary to protect residents from the adverse impacts of heavy vehicle traffic.

Once operational, the West Gate Tunnel is expected to take on the freight load, streamlining movement through the city while reducing truck volumes on suburban streets. The shift also supports cleaner air and lower noise levels for thousands of locals.

This article is for general information purposes only. For more information, residents can visit the Transport Victoria website.

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