State-of-the-art sensor technology to be trialled in Sydney will scan trucks in real time and use connected warning signage to divert drivers of overheight vehicles from their routes.
The trial is part of the NSW Government’s ongoing crusade to reduce disruption from overheight incidents that has seen tunnel closure minutes in the Sydney Harbour Tunnel cut by 80 per cent.
The automatic system will give drivers an accurate real-time height reading on their vehicle, giving heavy vehicle drivers time to change their route to avoid dangerous tunnel incidents that can cause system-wide disruptions to Sydney’s road network and damage to critical infrastructure.
In an ‘Australian first’, Transport for NSW has combined the light detection and ranging (LiDAR) scanning technology with automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) software.
The six-month trial will see trucks taller than four meters scanned as they pass under the sensor, and their height and number plate information will be gathered and instantaneously displayed to drivers on the overhead Variable Message Sign (VMS).
“This Australian-first scanning technology takes the guesswork out of load heights with real-time accurate calculations that allow drivers to act immediately and head off overheight incidents,” said NSW Minister for Roads, John Graham.
“The NSW Government remains resolute in its commitment to stopping overheight trucks from shutting down our city and inconveniencing motorists.
“This new technology on trial will help us strengthen the approach even further.”
Graham claims the technology is an awareness rather than enforcement tool, arming drivers with the right information so they can make the right decisions on the road.
The first site is now live on the southbound lanes of the M1 Pacific Motorway at the Mount White Heavy Vehicle Safety Station which is operated by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR).
“The NHVR supports the investment by NSW Government into the use of new technologies like LiDAR scanning and ANPR software to help industry and ultimately drive greater safety and productivity outcomes,” said NHVR CEO, Sal Petroccitto.
“This system not only enhances road safety but also underscores our commitment to fostering innovation within the heavy vehicle industry.
“We are proud to continue our collaboration with Transport for NSW to reduce overheight incidents and ensure safer road transport for all.”
The NSW Government has introduced a zero-tolerance approach to overheight trucks, including six-month registration bans for offending trucks – sending the message to truck owners and trucking companies that it is their responsibility to manage, along with drivers.
This crackdown, in combination with the work of the industry-wide Overheight Truck Taskforce launched in June 2023, resulted in a dramatic drop in overheight incidents in Sydney tunnels.
According to the NSW Government, in the first six months of the taskforce’s operation (July to December 2023) there was a 67 per cent decrease in total closure time minutes and a 32 per cent reduction in incidents, the lowest level in seven years.
Over the same period, the Sydney Harbour Tunnel, the most disrupted route, saw an 80 per cent reduction in closure minutes and a 58 per cent reduction in incidents.
The reduction in incidents has continued across the network in 2024, with 26 recorded overheight incidents between January and June – 62 per cent fewer than the same period in 2023.
“Responding to overheight incidents comes at a huge resource and productivity cost – not to mention resulting delays and damage,” said Transport for NSW Executive Director Customer Journey Management, Craig Moran.
“Following the conclusion of the taskforce’s successful approach, Transport [for NSW] is taking the learnings forward to ensure our road network is safe, efficient and reliable.”
