More green dots guiding truckies to safe rest areas

Truckies now have 14 more informal rest sites in NSW using truckie Rod Hannifey’s green dot reflector system on guideposts.

Big Rigs first reported the initiative last November, but Transport for NSW (TfNSW) hadn’t released the location of the sites until today.

TfNSW said work is now completed at the locations and truckies can access the below parking spots on the busy freight routes:

Burley Griffin Way: 4, 8 and 10 kilometres north of Binalong.
Lachlan Valley Way: 17 kilometres north of Yass.
Snowy Mountains Highway: 3 kilometres south of Bemboka.
Princes Highway: 5 kilometres south of Cobargo.
Olympic Highway: 8 kilometres south of Cootamundra and 5 kilometres north of Bethungra.
Mid-Western Highway: 4 kilometres west of Weethalle.
Newell Highway: 2 kilometres north of Narrandera and 18 kilometres south of Ardlethan
Hume Highway: 4 kilometres south of Bowning/7 kilometres north of Yass and 10 kilometres north of Little Billabong.
Monaro Highway: 13 kilometres north of Cooma.

Hannifey said the rollout of more green reflector sites is a big win for heavy vehicle drivers.

“Green reflector sites have made a real difference out on the road. Another driver told me it had saved their life. It’s such a simple idea, but it’s already saving lives,” Hannifey said.

“There just aren’t enough rest stops for truck drivers across Australia, so this initiative in NSW is a huge help. It gives drivers a clear signal of where they can safely pull up and take a break.

“This project is definitely welcomed by the industry, and we’re looking forward to seeing more of these sites rolled out over time.”

The full-time interstate driver for Rod Pilon Transport has been lobbying to have more official uptake of the cost-effective solution across all states and territories for many years.

But it’s been uphill battle to get buy-in to the concept which involves marking roadside poles with green dots – three dots denotes a bay 500m away, two dots for a bay 250m away and one dot signals you’re at the safe spot.

TfNSW said it is also exploring opportunities to establish additional new green reflector sites and said industry feedback is guiding this work.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said the the Minns government is already listening and acting on the industry feedback it has received.

“Green reflector sites are an important part of providing heavy vehicle rest stopping opportunities along NSW’s state road network,” Aitchison said.

“Marking these sites with green reflectors is a practical measure that supports the wellbeing of our truck drivers who play a crucial role in keeping our supply chains moving.

“The 14 new green reflector sites will go a long way in enabling truck drivers to stop and rest on what can be very long journeys, particularly at night.”

Delivery of the new green reflector sites has come through the $11.9 million Heavy Vehicle Rest Stop Minor Works Program.

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