Blue Mountains Mayor, Mark Greenhill says years of inaction by the NSW Government on dangerous heavy vehicle movements along Old Bathurst Road, Blaxland, is putting lives at risk and frustrating local residents.
The Mayor will again raise the issue with State authorities following ongoing incidents involving large trucks on the narrow and winding section of Old Bathurst Road between Emu Plains and Blaxland, despite longstanding safety concerns and existing restrictions.
The Council first raised the issue publicly a decade ago, warning that the road geometry and tight bends created serious risks for motorists.
“Years later, residents are still reporting the same terrifying near misses involving large trucks crossing onto the wrong side of the road to navigate bends,” Mayor Greenhill said.
“This has been going on for far too long and the community is rightly asking why stronger action still hasn’t been taken.
“People should not have to fear for their safety every time they drive this road.
“The current situation is unacceptable. Residents have repeatedly raised concerns, Council has repeatedly advocated for action, and yet we are still waiting for meaningful intervention from Transport for NSW.
“This is not a minor inconvenience, it is a serious public safety issue and it is only a matter of time before somebody is seriously injured or worse.
“Warning signs alone are clearly not solving the problem. The community wants to see real action, stronger enforcement and practical measures that actually stop inappropriate heavy vehicles from using this route.”
Mayor Greenhill said Council would continue advocating for urgent action in partnership with local residents and Penrith Council and is seeking an urgent meeting with Transport for NSW.
“The Blue Mountains community deserves to know that this issue is being treated with the urgency it warrants,” he said.
“Transport for NSW needs to stop ignoring these concerns and start working with councils and the community on real solutions before tragedy strikes,” he said.
