A NEW Higher Mass Limit network map has been released for the region by VicRoads, in an effort to ensure better access for high mass vehicles.
Farmers and transport companies will now have access to about 2200 extra kilometres of rural roads according to Swan Hill mayor Ann Young.
“The change will make a huge difference to local fruit and vegetable growers, grain producers and transport companies,” she said.
“Only 533 kilometres, or 12 per cent of our roads had been gazetted for Higher Mass vehicle access and operators had to apply to use other roads as needed.
“This process was proving frustrating for operators, with a wait of up to five days some times.”
The new network shows roads mapped in three categories which include approved (green), conditionally approved (orange) and restricted (red).
“This change will be beneficial for transport companies, local farming businesses and it will ultimately have a positive flow-on effect for our economy,” Cr Young said.
“This change will see approximately 70 per cent of our local road network now accessible to Higher Mass vehicles, without the need for a permit.”
Council has not approved the gazettal of its entire road network but for the remaining network, operators can still apply to council for permits to use vehicles on other local roads for prescribed periods of time.
The map can be accessed via the VicRoads website.
