Yorke Peninsula group shares response to Council's heavy vehicle plan

The Heavy Vehicle Access Strategy was compiled with the view of managing the wear and tear on the region's road network, but has drawn criticism from locals, as well as the SA Road Transport Association and Grain Producers SA.

Suggestions within the strategy included implementing a night curfew on trucks of B Double length or longer, and not allowing them to operate on certain roads under wet conditions.

Proposals of 30 kilometre an hour speed limits for townships, and 50km/hr outside townships, and mandatory flashing beacons or escort vehicles were also described as impractical.

The group has suggested a compromise of 40km/hr limits for townships and 60km/hr outside of townships.

The Council also proposed an extra $600,000 rate contribution be drawn from primary producers to help with road repairs.

A group of farmers and transporters from areas like Price, Maitland, Minlaton, Winulta and Yorketown have written a collective response to Council, and are encouraging others to provide their input by distributing a two-page memo of their concerns across the YP.

The group does not agree with "suggested speed restrictions, wet weather restrictions, night curfews, addition of flashing beacons or escort vehicles, and any user pays system".

They do however support some aspects of plan including grader widening of crests, vegetation removal at intersections, new heavy vehicle signage to increase tourist road awareness, and using existing primary producer rate contributions to fix critical issues.

"Whilst the group acknowledges there are significant challenges for the Council in maintaining an extensive and varied road network, the majority of what the strategy proposes is unreasonable, unnecessary, unable to be verified with comprehensive data and does not promote or support an industry that not only is a major contributor to the employment and revenue in the region but also an industry that is trying to create greater economic and environmental efficiencies through the supply chain," the group's response said.

A night curfew would restrict grain deliveries and extend the harvest carting period, while also having negative impacts on livestock carriers and producers, the group said.

"For many primary producers this proposal is particularly restrictive as 30 per cent of their operations during peak season (harvesting) occur outside of the nominated transport hours," the response said.

"The timely delivery of grain to market enables Yorke Peninsula grain growers to be competitive and access 'limited tonnage' opportunities."

The group argued that the increased use of 30m A Double trucks on the YP had already led to less traffic and reduced risk of collisions.

"Ultimately the group desire a closer working relationship between Council and industry to develop a practical system which reduces the risk to Council and all road users, within the available budget," the response said.

"Each stakeholder has something to offer and collaboratively we can maintain a more fit-for-purpose and sustainable road network."

The Yorke Peninsula Council has said the strategy is a draft only and it will take on board any feedback it receives from the community.

Feedback must be sent to Council by Friday, May 24.