NSW govt truck trial to ease congestion

Wireless technology installed on traffic lights and trucks will be used as part of a NSW government trial to give trucks more time to pass intersections.

Trucks will be given more time to get through green traffic lights across Sydney under a trial designed to ease congestion.

Wireless technology installed on trucks and about 100 intersections on important freight routes will allow the traffic signals and trucks to "talk" with each other to give trucks priority at lights, NSW Roads Minister Melinda Pavey said.

More than 100 heavy vehicles are involved in the trial, which extends the green light timing to allow trucks to cross the intersection, reducing the number of times they stop at lights.

"Heavy vehicles take a long time to stop and start, which can cause delays for all road users," Ms Pavey said in a statement on Sunday.

"This trial will detect a heavy vehicle approaching traffic lights and provide more green time, which will hopefully show us how we can ease delays for all motorists."

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian acknowledged the increase in truck movements across Sydney because of construction projects and said the trial would improve safety and traffic flow.

"This trial is really critical because it will improve safety and it will also reduce congestion," she told reporters in Sydney on Sunday.

The trial will run for three months and if successful, the government will consider expanding the technology to emergency vehicles and buses.


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Source: AAP



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