The NSW State Government introduced an increase of $5072 per annum to b-double trailer owners to register their vehicle on NSW roads. In January this year it cost $1300 but from July 1 it has increased to $6372.

B-double owner Brad Wettern of KWT Bulk Henty said, “I had no idea of this latest increase. We received no notification. It’s an extra cost we will just have to wear. Because we run three b-double trailers and four single trailers I’m going to be paying $15,000 more each year for registration alone. It’s an added cost I can’t see how they can justify”.

Brad added “it’s a ridiculous move they have made. To carry the same load in b-doubles takes three single trailers to freight. There really isn’t any other alternative. Trains might be the answer, but they don’t run to smaller towns and would no way keep up to demand. In our line of business, in peak harvest times, trains just wouldn’t make the grade”.

A spokesperson for the RTA said “charges are set so heavy vehicles pay their share towards road maintenance and infrastructure. Any future reform of heavy vehicle charges will be aimed at promoting efficient, productive, safe use of freight infrastructure and will involve industry consultation”

“The revenue raised has been allocated to fund road safety, maintenance and essential infrastructure projects across the state” they added.

New South Wales Manager for the Australian Trucking Association, Ms Jill Lewis says “This increase could mean that B-doubles that are considered to be the work horse of our industry, be exchanged for a semi trailer to alleviate costs.

“This would see more trucks on our roads and then the safety issues would have to be raised. Do we or the general public want more trucks on our roads? Certainly not. The increase in costs will either be absorbed by our operators or passed on to our customers and ultimately we will see items on supermarket shelves rise.”