Truck drivers and freight representative groups are calling for a ‘roughness audit’ of the Princes Highway roadworks between Sale and Bairnsdale.

“The recent spate of heavy vehicle accidents indicates all is not well and when truckies with decades of experience behind the wheel say it’s the worst stretch of road in the country and is now referred to as ‘The Goat Track’, you have to listen,” local MP, Mr Bull, who has continually lobbied for a safer stretch of highway for all drivers, said.

“Safe Freight Networks Australia has stated: ‘The road surface remains uneven and poor and we are now seeking a roughness audit as it would appear from a truck driver’s perspective to be extremely uneven resulting in trailers and prime movers being tossed around from side to side. We have had reports from livestock  transporters (who now use the longer but smoother Bengworden Road) of cattle injuries caused by trailer strikes against the barrier. We are not against the barriers, our problem is that the job was not done to a standard that meets the needs of our industry - that is the road is no longer fit for purpose. The surface is rough and uneven and the (centre) barriers are too close to the moving traffic. The roads are our driver’s workplace  and if this type of environment would be in any other part of the business, a workplace Provisional Improvement Notice (PIN) would be applied to this section of highway’.”

Mr Bull said over the past week he has heard concerns from truck drivers on three occasions.

“It is time for the government to listen to these drivers and Safe Freight Networks Australia and take a closer look at these concerns,” Mr Bull said.

IMAGE: Local MP, Tim Bull, is backing Safe Freight Networks Australia for an audit of the condition of the Princes Highway roadworks between Sale and Bairnsdale which has seen several truck accidents in recent months, including the fiery crash (pictured) at the Billabong in March. (PS)