Following a community consultation process, the Greater Bendigo City Council has voted not to undertake a trial banning heavy vehicle access between 8am and 9.30am and 2.30pm and 4pm, Monday to Friday in Howard Street, between Midland Highway and Goynes Road Epsom.
The community engagement was undertaken following a request from the Victorian Government’s Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) who had received significant feedback received from Epsom residents regarding safety concerns associated with heavy vehicle movements through the area, particularly during peak periods when school and commuter traffic is at its highest.
City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Thomas Prince said while the City will not proceed with the trial, it will continue to investigate, review, implement and advocate for traffic safety improvements within the Howard Street corridor and surrounding road network in partnership with government agencies and stakeholders.
“The community consultation sought feedback from residents, businesses, freight operators, school families and other road users,” Cr Prince said.
“Through the consultation the City wanted to understand community views, identify potential benefits and the impacts of a potential trial.
“The consultation identified road safety as a significant concern for many community members, particularly relating to traffic movements near Epsom Primary School during periods of high activity.
“The feedback we received also identified the potential impacts associated with a proposed heavy vehicle restriction, including the impact on freight operations, local businesses and the broader road network.
“While there was broad recognition of the need to improve safety outcomes, respondents expressed differing views regarding the effectiveness of a proposed trial and its potential consequences.
“After consideration of the feedback received it has been decided not to proceed with a heavy vehicle access trial.
“The City would like to thank all residents, businesses, freight operators, school families and road users who provided their feedback.”
The results of the community consultation showed:
- A total of 452 submissions were received through the consultation process.
- Overall, 179 respondents (40%) supported the trial and 273 respondents (60%) did not support the trial.
- Of the respondents, 388 (86%) participated as residents and 64 (14%) on behalf of a business, while 131 respondents (29%) identified a connection to Epsom Primary School.
- Of the 131 respondents who identified a connection to Epsom Primary School, more than half did not support the trial.
- Concerns commonly related to student safety, traffic volumes, pedestrian movements, parking pressures, road condition and the safety of the Howard Street and Midland Highway intersection.
- Respondents supporting the trial generally considered it a practical way to reduce interactions between heavy vehicles and school-aged children, improve visibility and test a potential solution before considering permanent changes.
- While there was strong support for improving safety outcomes, many respondents questioned whether restricting heavy vehicles would address the underlying causes of congestion and safety concerns. Parking behaviour during school peak periods, non-compliance with existing traffic controls, limited school parking and access arrangements emerged as some of the most frequently raised issues.
- Business and freight operators expressed significant concern regarding potential impacts on travel times, operating costs and freight efficiency, with many noting Howard Street’s role as an established freight and over-dimensional vehicle route.
- A recurring theme across the consultation was support for longer-term solutions, including improved school access and parking, enhanced pedestrian infrastructure, and advocacy for a dedicated freight corridor or alternative freight route to address growing transport demands in the area.
