i
information
bulletin
Truck Stops and Rest Areas
Melbourne / Geelong
May 2002
Truck Stops and Rest Areas Melbourne / Geelong
Introduction
Driver fatigue is the single most significant cause of
road crashes involving heavy vehicles. Up to 60 per
cent of these crashes involve driver fatigue.
Fatigue affects all heavy vehicle drivers, not only those
involved in interstate work. All drivers need to take
responsibility for managing their fatigue by ensuring
they get sufficient sleep before starting work.
Once on the road, truck drivers can help reduce the
affects of fatigue, caused by working or driving long
hours, by taking regular rest breaks.
Truck Stops and Rest Areas
To assist drivers to take regular rest breaks, truck
stops and rest areas are located throughout Victoria.
Rest Areas: These are public parking areas that are
located off the road and provide the driver with the
opportunity to take an extended rest break. Most provide
a range of services. In most cases, they can accommodate
larger vehicles.
Parking Bays: These are off road areas with the
provision for truck parking. These locations have
either no facilities or limited facilities nearby. They are
recommended only for short breaks, for example to
enable drivers to check their load and vehicle, and take
a short nap.
Roadside Parking: Truck parking either on the side
of a road or in a service road. Services are generally
within walking distance at the locations identified in
this brochure. These areas are not recommended for
long breaks.
It should be remembered that trucks are not permitted
to park for more than one hour on roads in built up areas.
These areas can also be used to check the vehicle,
ensure the load carried is still secured, and complete
any necessary paperwork.
The issue of adequate rest areas for trucks in urban
areas, to enable drivers to better manage fatigue, was
raised at road freight forums conducted by the
Victorian Road Freight Advisory Council.
The Council, which is an advisory body to the Minister
for Transport, undertook a survey in metropolitan
Melbourne and Geelong to identify current rest areas.
This survey has enabled VicRoads and the Council to
develop this information bulletin, which identifies
truck stops and rest areas in metropolitan Melbourne
and Geelong.
The brochure identifies both public and commercial
truck stops and rest areas. It details the types of
facility and services available. It also identifies those
facilities that can accommodate B-doubles and most
over-dimensional loads.
The types of facility identified include:
Service Centres: These are commercial facilities with
the provision of extensive parking, that offer the driver
the opportunity to take rest breaks of at least six
hours. Generally, they provide a full range of services
and can accommodate large heavy vehicles, such as
B-doubles.
Service Stations: These are commercial facilities
with provision for truck parking, but are only suitable
for short stays and meal breaks. They provide a range
of services. Generally, parking is limited.
“Take the opportunity to check your load”
Melbourne and
Metropolitan Truck Stops
and Rest Areas
The truck stops and rest areas identified in this
information bulletin are based on advice received from
staff at VicRoads, the Transport Workers Union and the
Victorian Transport Association.
Table 1 details the location of each facility in the
Melbourne metropolitan area. It also details the
services available at each location. Generally, locations
with more ticks have more services.
The location of each facility is shown on the map, see
pages 4 and 5. The map also shows those locations that
can accommodate large heavy vehicles such as,
B-doubles and most over-dimensional loads.
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Truck Stops and Rest Areas Melbourne / Geelong
Table 1: Melbourne and Metropolitan Truck Stops and Rest Areas
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Limited parking only (no more than 2 semi-trailers at one time)
# Food is either within walking distance or available during specific periods.
;
Toilets nearby.
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Truck Stops and Rest Areas Melbourne / Geelong
MELBOURNE METROPOLITAN TRUCK STOPS AND REST AREAS
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Truck Stops and Rest Areas Melbourne / Geelong
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Truck Stops and Rest Areas Melbourne / Geelong
Geelong and Outer Regions Truck Stops and Rest
Areas
Table 2 (below) details location of each facility in the Geelong area. It also details the services available at these
locations.
Table 2: Geelong and Outer Regions Truck Stops and Rest Areas
[
Limited parking only (no more than 2 semi-trailers at one time)
# Food is either within walking distance or available during specific periods.
;
Toilets nearby.
Each of the above locations are shown on the map on the opposite page. This map also shows locations that can
accommodate large heavy vehicles, such as B-doubles and over-dimensional loads.
Can’t remember the last few kilometres of your trip? Take a break.
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Truck Stops and Rest Areas Melbourne / Geelong
GEELONG AND OUTER REGIONS TRUCK STOPS AND REST AREAS
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Truck Stops and Rest Areas Melbourne / Geelong
Dangerous Goods Vehicles
Further Information
The locations identified in this bulletin are generally
suitable for use by dangerous goods vehicles. However,
when parking in these areas, drivers should:
Further information on managing driver fatigue and
truck driving hours is available from any VicRoads
Office, or the VicRoads Bookshop on (03) 9854 2782 or
Email: [email protected]
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Where possible, park away from other vehicles;
Locate the vehicle where it can be seen;
Open the battery isolation switch (where fitted)
when the vehicle is left unattended, except
where the vehicle lights must be kept on for
safety reasons; and
Park flammable goods vehicles away from any
ignition source.
Remember
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Stop when you feel tired or sleepy.
The facilities at truck stops and rest areas are
for all to use. Please ensure they are kept clean.
When using rest areas be considerate to other
users and any neighbouring properties by
keeping noise to a minimum.
Use these areas to take a power nap.
Take the opportunity to ensure that the load on
your vehicle has not moved and is still secure.
Take the opportunity to do a quick vehicle
check.
Do not park on roads in built-up areas for more
than one hour.
For information about truck stops and rest areas
contact the relevant VicRoads Regional Office:
Metropolitan North West Region Tel: 9854 2666
Metropolitan South East Region Tel: 9854 7866
South Western Region
Tel: 5225 2525
Find your vehicle and mind wandering? Can’t stop yawning? Stop and take a power nap.
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VicRoads Publication Number 01057
www.vicroads.vic.gov.au