A new speed trial that will see trucks travel at 90km/h along a 10km section of the Monash Freeway commenced today.
The trial will run for 18 months between Huntingdale Road and Jacksons Road.
From today, motorists along this stretch of road are asked to pay attention to the new signs in place showing the change.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan said reducing the speed of trucks should create greater distances between cars and trucks to reduce tailgating. He said it should also allow cars to navigate more safely around trucks, reducing the likelihood of rear end and side swipe crashes.
A second trial phase involving banning trucks from the right hand lane in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the two measures together, will occur at a later date depending on the trial’s progress.
The Monash Freeway is a key arterial road carrying in excess of 200,000 vehicles per day.
The trial’s focus will determine the effectiveness of reducing the speed limit for trucks to improve road safety and reduce the number of crashes involving cars and trucks.
Mr Donnellan said around 80 per cent of all crashes on the Monash are either rear end crashes or side swipe crashes.
“Reducing the speed of trucks on the Monash will only increase their travel time by one minute, but make it safer and boost the reliability of the freeway.”