Should all trucks be banned from the right lane on Freeways?

I drive on the M80 ring road everyday (Melbourne), and just about ever day there is an incident on there.

Many of these incidents involve trucks. I am not against trucks or truck drivers. But in my view, most truck drivers I see driving are always swerving between lanes, in the right lane knowing they need to exit the Freeway soon, on their phones, etc.

I know a couple freeways already have the ban in place, and I would love to know the stats on these roads, but I think it should be nationwide. I don't see any reason why a truck needs to be in the right lane of a freeway.

Poll Options

  • 421
    Yes
  • 61
    No

Comments

              • @LFO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhgvdII-QTU
                https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lV-rhiGRFTE

                Trucks have more blind spots than you think. Maybe do a bit more research or actually hop into a truck to see what it's like.

                • @THL: Do you mind telling us WHERE those blind spots are?
                  In words.
                  No video, no Google, no insults.

                  In words. Here and there. Where?

                  • @LFO: Wow. Why do I need to explain to you where the blind spots are when it is clearly explained in the videos I posted? I don't owe you anything. If you are insisting there are no truck blind spots, then so be it. It seems like you're not willing to comprehend what's a common knowledge when driving around trucks. Good luck and stay safe on the road.

                    • -2

                      @THL: You are unable or unwilling to express in words WHERE are the spots?

                      It is rather simple: please describe two or three blind spots not covered by side and front mirrors.

                      It is very simple. Where? In your words.
                      Where, please?

                      • +1

                        @LFO: @eason is more than likely unwilling to deal with someone being rude and ignorant.

                        I don't mind answering, because I deal with rude people who don't want to listen and cant be told on a daily basis.

                        a: Directly inline and behind the truck
                        b: Directly inline and directly in front of a truck with a nose on it. (ie: not so much cab-overs)
                        c: On the opposite side to the driver and level with or in front of the mirror and a line about 45 degrees away and back from the mirror.
                        d: Drivers side, next to the truck and in front of mirror. (this is a great one for motorcycles/scooters/cyclists to hide in)

                        Now, before you get your panties in a bunch, this is a "guide". All trucks are different. A cab-over K series Kenworth is going to be different to a T900 series and that is going to be different to a T400 series SAR. And all trucks range in size from 4.5t tray backs, up to multi-combination road trains.

                        There is no "covers all trucks" diagram (or written description). It is also very dependant on what you are trying to hide in the blind spot. ie: A truck is harder to hide in a blind spot than a motorcycle. also, an Hyundai Getz may hide in a sport where a Landcruiser wouldn't.

                        Not all trucks have convex mirrors on them. Even if they do, there are still areas that these do not cover. And I just know that is going to trigger you.

                        Both the videos that @eason provided do a great job of explaining where the general blind spots are in relation to trucks. If you don't like Google, use duckduckgo and search for "truck blind spots" and click on the "images" tab.

                        Ironically, one of the trucks I drive has an internal rear vision mirror in the centre of the windscreen, but also has sleepercab with no back window. I think it's for keeping an eye on my beard adjustments…

                        • @pegaxs: INteresting, with so many blind spots, it's a miracle we don't have more accidents.

                        • +1

                          @pegaxs: Thanks @pegaxs for the detailed explanation. It is rather difficult to try to be reasonable with someone when they are arguing just for the sake of it. All vehicles have some form of blind spots but truck probably has the most of them. Hence my argument: it's probably safer for trucks not to be in acceleration/overtaking lane to reduce the chance of accidents.

                          Being a truck driver is a challenging job and the risks involved are significant. They are putting their lives on the line at work every day. Therefore it is worthwhile to understand how to drive safe around trucks and stay out of their blind spots, making their job a little bit easier.

                        • +1

                          @pegaxs: Thank you for the effort you put describing your point with so much detail.
                          Pity about all the insults and belittling but I am happy to completely ignore them as you did explain quite in detail the matter.

                          Certainly and clearly old or certain models of trucks seem to have plenty of blind spots.

                          My experience is with MB Actros which is new European designs. Whatever the multiple mirrors cannot see the multiple sensors will sense. And the computers will tell you. Loudly. Very.
                          I now understand it might be different with less sophisticated prime movers.

                          Yes, if trucks do not install convex mirrors visibility will suffer.
                          Same with multiple side mirrors.

                          My assumptions were with a modern fleet and exhaustively fitted vehicles.

                          So, you have shown that old vehicles or not properly fitted yes will have many blind spots.
                          Again, new fleets do not have those issues or are not as critical.

                          Happy motoring.

                        • -2

                          @pegaxs: Get a life mate. No one here agrees with your ridiculous comments.

                          • -1

                            @bobwokeup: I agree with him and I do the job on a daily basis. So take your anti truck driver BS elsewhere.

  • +1

    They are not allowed on the right lane on the M1 in SEQ, so many times I feel sorry for poor truck derivers stuck behind people doing 90kmh in a 100 zone!

    So, no I don't think they should be banned unless people get fined for not keeping left unless overtaking.

  • -1

    Unless these special moron trucks are as fast as normal cars, there is NO reason for them to occupy the right fast lane on any highway.

    Not all, but a lot of truckos also like tailgating smaller vehicles for some kind of sick butt loving pleasure.

    • +2

      You do realise your statements above are kind of contradictory don't you? Is the problem that we are too slow or that we are tailgaters?

      • Priceless!

  • +1

    On the way to work this morning I saw 3 semi trailers at the front of the lights, hogging up all 3 lanes. Theres no turning for a good few kms and they couldn't be bothered waiting for each other. Infuriating.

    • +1

      So, 3 cars hogging up all 3 lanes will be OK.
      So, 3 humongous diesel burning 4X4 hogging up all 3 lanes will be OK too.

      'cuse they don't seem to use space.
      Only trucks.
      Strange.

      • So, 3 humongous diesel burning 4X4 hogging up all 3 lanes will be OK too

        There aren't enough of these sorts of vehicles around that 3 would be in the same area at the same time. More like 3 crappy, high riding hatchbacks masquerading as SUVs.

        Only trucks.

        Let's be realistic, trucks use more space…

        • Let's be realistic, trucks use more space…

          Yes but! … In Australia driving is one vehicle per lane. Be a motorcycle or a semitrailer truck. So no difference really…
          You can see (and bully) more, but still go nowhere.

          • @LFO: My comment was a little tongue-in-cheek… :)

      • For a second there I thought you wanted one lane to be kept empty.

      • Lol ok mate. Guarantee you're the first one to move into a clear lane when you see a truck at the lights.

    • When trucks aren't on the move fast they are burning money…

      They seem to think the rest of us get fuel for free…

      • It’s almost like our 300 Ltr tanks are for show or something, we use like 4 times the diesel a large 4x4 use unloaded and slowing down and speeding up unnecessarily sure as hell doesn’t aid in reducing fuel consumption.

        • Their 3lt Hilux ute burns as much fuel as my 15lt Kenworth? Either my truck is doing really well, or their Hilux needs a tune. :D

          • @pegaxs: You get paid to drive and Hilux guy probably doesn't so ratio is about right.

        • +1

          Guess you want the road authorities to straighten out the roads for you too so you don't have to slow down for corners.

    • If you were walking along the footpath and there were 3 ladies with big behinds blocking the way you wouldn't get upset about that would you? Slow down and be thankful for the small things mate.

  • +5

    Enforce KEEP LEFT UNLESS OVERTAKING before any further restrictions. Trucks and cars.

    • Too hard to police, doesn't make enough revenue. Police will continue to go after the soft targets of people exceeding the speed limit by 2 km/h. Oh wait they don't even need to do that, the speed, I mean safety cameras do all the work.

      • +1

        So we can all agree the real enemy is revenue raising?

      • Seems to work ok in the rest of the civilised world

        • Which one works OK: Keep Left or Shameless Revenue Collection?

  • +2

    Can you ban slow cars from the left? Sometimes a truck needs to overtake them.

  • Yes 🍿

  • +3

    Fining tailgating would have a much bigger impact on reducing "road accidents". It's especially hair raising to watch a semi follow another vehicle at 120km with a 20m gap, going down hill.

  • -2

    If you're referring to the 7 accidents across the M80 and westgate yesterday then I think you need to consider this:

    It's not the truck drivers, but the area/demographic they're driving through. That section of the ring road crosses the most poorly educated demographic in the country.

    The entire northern region has people of a certain demographic who are on international licences or have been given licences when they shouldn't have been. The level of skilled drivers in the area is appalling especially up in the north. The main area of concern is up toward Sydney Road where it joins the Hume Highway, you have a poorly educated demographic with poor literacy skills and poor social behaviour/cultural understanding. Drivers on phones, drivers who don't understand the road rules, drivers without insurance, unregistered vehicles. We used to travel up there as there are quite a few industrial-based companies and the behaviour from the locals is somewhat lacklustre.

    The issue is not the trucks, the issue is the fools in cars not giving way when required or cutting off the trucks.

    • I'm curious at which demographic you're alluding to?! Surely you can be open and name them rather than being vague… As long as you have evidence backing you up.

      An example, my mate recently got hit by an international Chinese licence holder (a student) who admitted at fault then used the "no English" excuse. He only had 3rd party insurance and had to cop excess due to student changing her story. EG2. A colleague complains regularly about new immigrants from China in Springvale who drive slowly in the right lane or cause accidents on a near daily basis near that area.

      Disclaimer: my mate is Cambodian. My colleague is Chinese Vietnamese… So I'm not making this into a race thing, just observations on perhaps new immigrants and their driving habits (yes not all but a small minority).

      • One truthful fact is that some current new immigrants from China and some other mostly Asian countries, have never had a car before. Nor their parents.
        Thru extreme hard work and exemplary dedication they achieve wealth, lots of money and buy expensive cars that unfortunately were something completely rare to them.

        Picture this, the majority of Australians have had their parents or grandparents driving them around. A lot!.
        So, any curious child will look and learn about this thing called car. Will experience the car event. It is only natural.

  • Trucks should be banned from travelling during peak hour times both AM and PM. Roads would be so much free flowing.

    • +1

      Yes let’s stop the flow of goods and make sure more accident happen due to the fatigue of driving at night, make sure truck drivers need to sit around unpaid for multiple hours because you also like to be forced to sit around at work unpaid. Make sure they can’t get back to their family till later at night because that delivery that could have been done at 5PM now has to be done at 7PM.

      Road rules should be more heavily enforced, drive the speed limit when safe and possible to do so (don’t sit 10 below if you are capable of doing the Limit) right lane is strictly for overtaking when road speed limit is more than 80km/h (don’t sit in the right lane, when the need to enter the right lane is present give plenty of warning by INDICATING and once in the right lane overtake the vehicle in the left lane promptly then switch back into the left lane once a safe distance has been created between you and the vehicle you overtook) along with a couple courtesy things like adiquate stopping distance (maintain a distance greater than the distance required to come to a full stop) and isolate yourself from any distraction (place any distraction ie: phone, laptop, newspaper, book ect out of reach and try to teach your kids some car manners) if everyone (trucks/cars and bikes) followed these the highway would be a much nicer place.

      • -2

        ‘Stop the flow of goods’ lol ok drama queen. It works a treat in other countries that have a similar rule. And they can do their deliveries between 9-5. Or still at night as many currently do.

  • +2

    Maybe as an alternative, can we have all vehicles on highway to try not to create a stop-start and aim to just go really slow short of stopping (if possible) and just tread like ants. Ants always stuck in traffic but because they all move slow in unison, they go just fine.

  • +1

    You need to see the westbound M5 tunnel in Sydney. 2 lanes with a fairly steep incline at the end, shitty design but it's what we've got. Takes 1 truck going up slowly in the right-hand lane (or has to slow down) and the traffic grinds to a halt for the day. They can't accelerate up a hill if they're slowed for any reason.

    They've got the tunnel information signs now saying "trucks stay in left lane" but a large number just ignore it. Needs to have a fine attached.

    • +1

      Same in the Burnley Tunnel in Melbourne; three lanes with a 5.2% incline out of the tunnel. It is regularly the case that trucks will encounter a delay somewhere in the tunnel and then each of the three lanes will have a truck struggling up that 5.2%, delaying all the other vehicles behind them.

      The only exception is late at night when the trucks can maintain there speed for the duration of the tunnel length.

  • -1

    I use the M1 on the opposite side of the city. It's not unusual to see 5 trucks driving in formation blocking lanes while going under the speed limit.

    The trucks that don't do this are usually the ones who tailgate and try to force cars out of their path.

  • -1

    Absolutely. Nothing worse than trucks 3 (or 4) abreast with nowhere to overtake!

    • -1

      Hahaha, I'll take "shit that never happens" for $200, Thanks Larry…"

      • Sorry Im not getting the joke? The guy above me also said the exact same thing.

      • -1

        Always happens

  • Maybe .

    I don't see any reason why a truck needs to be in the right lane of a freeway.

    Respectfully, there are some reasons;

    There are some areas where the freeway would be busy during the day, and likely dangerous to overtake with the truck (as depending on traffic congestion, there would be circumstances where it would literally be impossible to get a safe amount of space open up for the truck the move across and overtake) . But then that same freeway (or any road) might be almost empty at night, and I see no reason why they shouldn't say, overtake a truck going up a hill carrying a few tonnes of heavy rocks from the quarries, and the driver overtaking has a brand new truck and an empty load. Of course in this, and some situations where it is perfectly safe for a truck to overtake in right lane, and could be necessary ie. the truck driver wants to get home from work to his family etc like the rest of us, he or she shouldn't be forced to sit behind a truck full of rocks going 30 up a hill, when they can safely overtake and go 100 up the same hill with an empty load (or better truck engine to pull up the hill).

    That's just an example off the top of my head…. There are probably othe re circumstances which arise where it's safe for a truck to use right lane on freeway.

    I know what you mean though, some trucks drive quite dangerously IMO swerving in and out of traffic. I hypothesized, from the way they always seem to get quickly back into the left again, I think they either don't want to inconvenience the cars behind, or maybe they are more likely to get pulled over if staying in overtaking lane. I don't think I have ever seen a truck stay in overtaking lane for longer than necessary to be honest, in all of my approx 5 years of driving . Always have moved back into left when safe, but sometimes swerved back when it is unsafe, which makes me wonder as to their motive for jumping straight back into left lane, even when it is a tight squeeze.

  • The problem will solve itself in a few years once all the trucks are self driving.

    Seriously self driving is going to hit like a tornado once the tech is solid.

  • +1

    i had a friend visit from Germany, and he was laughing at our road rules, in specific the trucks and how they roam the streets freely, in Germany they are all to stay in the slow lane and not over take, otherwise big fine

    • +1

      That's fine for the size of a country that would almost fit into Victoria.

      • +2

        With a population 12x greater than Victoria…..

      • Food thing most of this country is a barren wasteland.

        • -1

          well what does it matter how big the land is, if its in the law it has to be followed, also most of Australia is uninhabited anyway. or uninhabitable

  • Should trucks have lower speed limit than cars. Not having that results in truckers trying to be at the top speed allowed which is same as cars

  • +2

    Shit drivers are a bigger threat to our driving than Trucks on the right.

    Under my law, Shit Drivers will be penalised with Demerit Points, when they accumulate 10 points they will be suspended and force-sent to a Driving School Again.

    What constitutes a shit driver?

    • Erratic Driving, Whimsical/Impulsive Braking
    • Poor Parking Experience, taking more than 2min to park your car at any spot.
    • Extreme and unwarranted Slowness
    • Right lane hogging under speed limit (yes I know there is a fine already)

    Vote for me in the future,

    Trust me, when this law is implemented, you will see traffic flow better than any other country because shit drivers are now taking the Bus/Uber and not on our roads.

    • For future reference, what is the name of your political party?

      • +3

        Road Efficiency Party (REP)

  • I love it when every single lane is being bottlenecked by a truck and you can't weave around them.

  • +1

    Whilst I support the rule in general I find more problems, including trucks having to drive "badly", would be solved if they instead made sure slow drivers kept to the left lane to begin with. So often I see trucks (and cars) on the WRR having to overtake a slow driver in the 2nd lane … then the 3rd lane … then the 2nd lane again …

  • I think trucks should be limited to 100 in a 110 and 90 in a 100. And no be allowed in the right hand lane.

    And undertaking should be illegal/enforced more oftern.

  • +2

    The trucking industry is the lifeblood of consumerism in Australia

    Without trucks nobody gets their food, fuel, clothes, luxury items, houses, cars, buildings - and anything else you can think of

    There have been some comments about limiting them to night only - that's the equivalent of suggesting a human heart only pumps blood at night - because everything and anything needs a truck to deliver from one destination to another - often several times over before you can stroll into woolies to buy a bunch of bananas.

    Drivers - just STFU, pay them a little respect, and deal with the minor daily inconveniences considering the amount of value they directly and indirectly add to your lives

    • +2

      Agree, people seem to think their items just magically appear on the shelf.
      As for trucks only being allowed on the roads at night, I suspect we will see a rise of threads like, “Truckies making too much noise delivering building materials for my neighbour’s extension while I’m trying to sleep” and “Why is everything more expensive now?”

    • -3

      Truckers: just stfu, stick to the left. Don’t tail gate, don’t merge constantly and unnecessarily :)

      • I honestly think that can be said of all drivers.

        • +1

          Indeed

    • Other countries have trucks without the same problems they create here

      • +2

        I don't think it's sufficient to talk about other countries unless you talk about the state of the road system, population density, geographical size etc. Australia is different from most countries and what works elsewhere may or may not work here.

  • In a perfect world it wouldn't be necessary but in our country with the questionable class of most truck drivers (not all), unfortunately yes.

    • questionable class of most truck drivers

      FTFY…

    • -1

      Agreed in WA they are terrible. No matter what anyone says pegaxs will jump up and down like a baby haha

  • IN the netherlands they are only allowed in the far right lane (which is the far left lane here), but cause people cannot merge at speed that won't work here

  • +1

    Just gotta listen to truckies on CB for while to get a true picture of their view of the world and car drivers in particular. Can be funny at time but overall paints a pretty bad picture of the industry. Mind you if I had to sit in a cab for 40+ hrs per week Im not sure I'd be any different;(

    • 40+ hours is generous. Some of us clock over 80 and there has been times I have cracked 100 hours in a week.

      Be on a road that long and it feels like everything is trying to work against you. Haha

      • No wonder they cause so many deaths

        • I have got no argument against that, long hours is the norm and it’s a problem. Sadly stuff still needs to be transported and companies want to make money. Their view is “Well wasn’t me driving the truck.”

          Only way to fix all these issues is a total logistics overhaul, trains and underground depots.

          • +1

            @JustASmoothSkin: Yeah the industry is deeply screwed. Nobody gives a stuff as long as it doesn't immediately affect them. That includes the public, the people in the industry and their customers. Sometimes I wish the drivers would just strike for a few days but it will never happen.

    • I listened on the way to Qld once. They really hate caravans.

      • OMG, caravaners. And all these car drivers getting butt hurt over trucks. Have none of them ever been stuck behind a grey nomad pulling what could only be described as the Taj Mahal… on wheels.

        Quick, lets start a whole new outrage thread. :D

      • Was driving a truck with another truck (Workmate in this one) in front of me, as we went past a caravan coming from the opposite direction a bracket came off from the air conditioner and went though his cab windshield, Missed him by about half a foot. With a combined speed it would have been going around at least 180KM/H relative to the truck. Needless to say if it hit him he would be dead.

  • Don’t we all!

  • There banned in the left lanes up here on the Gold Coast M1

  • Imagine if we had more rail freight!

  • We've had this for the freeway between Brisbane and the Gold Coast for some time now. Most of the way it's 4 lines with trucks banned from the right 2 lanes. It hasn't really worked to increase the traffic flow. I'm not even sure it's safer.

    While this isn't always the case, more often than not it is: The most left hand lane is vacant, and when it's used it's people coming on and off and the occasional vehicle that shouldn't be on the freeway in the first place… all doing 80-90 in a 110 zone.

    The second lane, mostly where the trucks are, but we don't have enough trucks for it to be full, so it's also populated by cars which often hold up the truckies at 10 to 15 under the limit.

    The third lane is usually the cars doing 105 in a 110.

    The rightmost lane is forever full. The busier the road, the slower this lane goes.

    Not to mention that drivers here don't seem to have a clue how to merge/change lanes. The amount of cars I've seen cut others off with a dangerous speed difference. I'd bet most don't understand this has a cascading effect on peek hour traffic.

    While there are exceptions, the safest drivers I observed are the truckies. So many drivers just aren't aware what they are doing is dangerous.

  • They need to be on the right lane to avoid any low-hanging trees on the left, duh. /s

  • -1

    No point posting here and wasting time.

    If you are in Victoria write to the

    Government minister for Roads
    The Hon. Luke Donnellan MP
    Role Occupant The Hon. Luke Donnellan MP
    Phone 03 8392 6150
    Email Address [email protected]

    Opposition
    Gordon Rich-Phillips
    Member for South Eastern Metropolitan Region

    Shadow Minister for Roads (Metropolitan)
    Shadow Minister for Road Safety and the TAC
    03 9794 7667
    [email protected]

  • Slow drivers on the right lane are equally or more problematic than the trucks. I also drive on the M80 5 days a week.

  • +1

    Trucks should be banned from the two right lanes over the West gate bridge (from williamstown rd to Todd rd). There's always trucks in every lane and it slows traffic

    • I'm sorry that it took an extra 30 seconds to get over the bridge in peak hour traffic mate. Please accept our apologies. If it's any consolation it took us trucks an extra 30 seconds too.

      • +1

        30 seconds x 1000 cars per hour = whole lot of less traffic on the road :)

        • As long as they all go the same speed yeah. But you will always get people that travel slow in the right hand lanes. Plus the fact that it's peak hour and everybody is stuck behind the person in front.

        • +1

          Let's be realistic here. Trucks only account for around 5% of all traffic on most roads. Cars are by far the bigger contributing factor to congestion.

          If we banned all trucks, traffic will improve no doubt, but not by much.

          If we banned all cars, traffic congestion will literally be a thing of the past.

          Just be a little more patient and mindful around trucks, isn't that easier?

      • Truck drivers in Europe can show common sense. Shame it doesn't occur here.

        There's no reason for trucks to be in the 2 right lanes when going over the bridge from williamstown rd to Todd rd. There's 3 other lanes to use

        • Well one possible snag in your plan there mate is that the two right hand lanes on the bridge become the two left hand lanes in the tunnel. So all those trucks you forced on the the left hand lanes on the bridge will now have to merge to the right between Todd rd and kings way turnoff. Who knows, you might gain some precious seconds on the bridge only to get choked off later on by merging trucks.

          It may work out more efficient to have trucks select the correct lane before entering the bridge. But what do I know I'm only a doctor?

  • +1

    As a car driver who likes to drive close to or at the speed limit and has frequented the M80, No. I don't believe trucks are the problem.
    Nearly everytime I overtake a slow truck in the right lane there is a slow car in front of them. People driving at 80-90km/hr in the right hand lane or cars who constantly change lanes or multiple lanes at once look to be what are what slowing down traffic and and causing accidents on the M80.
    /rant

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