No truck zones in Melbournes inner west

No-truck zones FAQs

Frequently asked questions for no-truck zones in the inner west.

No-truck zones general information

What are no-truck zones?

As part of the West Gate Tunnel Project, we’re introducing 24-hour no-truck zones on six key roads:

  • Francis Street in Yarraville
  • Somerville Road in Yarraville 
  • Buckley Street in Footscray
  • Moore Street in Footscray
  • Blackshaws Road in Altona North 
  • Hudson Road in Spotswood

When the tunnel opens, the tunnel and new freeway lanes will offer safer, more reliable and more efficient routes for the freight industry to get to and from the west to the port and the rest of Melbourne. 

Large trucks will be expected to use the West Gate Tunnel and Hyde Street ramps to get to the Port of Melbourne. This means they will go under the inner west instead of through local streets and roads. 

When will the no-truck zones come into effect?

The no-truck zones will take effect as soon as the tunnel opens. The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator will apply its standard 'inform, educate and enforce' approach, starting with information and education, before moving to enforcement.

We are talking with industry groups, including businesses and truck operators now to ensure drivers understand how the no-truck zones will work before the tunnel opens.

What is banned? What is exempt?

What types of trucks will be banned, and what exemptions will apply?

Large trucks, including those heading to the port and empty container parks, can no longer use no-truck zone declared roads. They will need to use the tunnel and/or alternative allowed routes to reach their destination. 

Trucks that have an origin or destination within the no-truck zone will only be allowed to enter for one of these purposes:

  • a delivery to or from a place within a no-truck zone
  • performing construction or maintenance work within a no-truck zone
  • vehicle repairs or sales within a no-truck zone
  • driving to or from a garaged address within a no-truck zone

These types of heavy vehicles will still be permitted in no-truck zones:

  • bus
  • 2-axle truck that is not transporting a shipping container
  • tow truck
  • concrete truck
  • waste disposal truck

Motor homes, emergency and police vehicles, considered heavy vehicles, can also enter a no-truck zone.

How do I find out which vehicle types can travel in a no-truck zone?

For general access heavy vehicles: Refer to the no-truck zones exemptions above. You can only enter a no-truck zone for one of the purposes, or in one of the vehicle types listed.

For restricted access Class 1, 2 & 3 heavy vehicles, including Special Purpose Vehicles: Refer to the National Network Maps on the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s website to check the available network and approval status for your vehicle type.

Can my business apply for an exemption?

There is no need to apply for an exemption if you have an exempt vehicle or journey type. Refer to the previous question and answer for information on exemptions. 

Apart from these exemptions, if your business works with trucks that are not permitted in the no-truck zones, they must take alternative routes.

Large port-bound trucks will no longer be able to use the six roads in the no-truck zones. There will be no exemptions for these trucks. 

For more details on the rules and regulations for the no-truck zones, go to:
https://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/as-made/statutory-rules/road-safety-general-amendment-no-truck-zone-regulations-2025 

Enforcement of no-truck zones

How will the no-truck zones be enforced?

New roadside cameras will monitor no-truck zones 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Once the tunnel opens, the cameras will help the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator with enforcement as they can:  

  • accurately detect the type of truck in real time 
  • instantly categorise the truck type and provide the National HeavyVehicle Regulator with the information to support enforcement action

Registered owners of non-exempt trucks identified in no-truck zones will be responsible for any fines the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator issues.

We are talking with industry groups, including businesses and truck operators, to make sure everyone understands how the no-truck zones will be enforced. 

How will enforcement distinguish trucks starting or ending their journey within a no-truck zone for delivery purposes?

If the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator detects a truck not allowed on a no-truck zone road, it will issue a fine to the vehicle’s registered owner. 

While the roadside cameras can detect the types of vehicles in the no-truck zone, they cannot tell us the reason for your journey. If a truck made a delivery to or from a place within a no-truck zone, the registered owner can appeal the fine with evidence of the delivery made. 

What is the process for vehicle owners to appeal a fine?

If you receive an infringement and believe you had a valid reason to travel based on exemptions, you can apply for a review by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator. The infringement notice will include details on how to apply for a review. 

You can also find information about how to request a review of an infringement notice by going to the NHVR website.

Some exemptions will apply to trucks with local origins and destinations, ensuring that local businesses and households can continue to receive and supply goods. 

However, if the business is outside of a no-truck zone, trucks must use alternative routes.

Will trucks still get fined if they are directed to detour onto a no-truck zone?

NHVR will take road disruptions into account when reviewing compliance in no-truck zones.

For businesses on Hyde Street and Whitehall Street

Can fuel tankers still use Francis Street?

Fuel tankers and other large trucks will not be permitted to drive down Francis Street's no-truck zone to access the Mobil Terminal on the corner of Francis Street and Hyde Street. 

They will need to navigate around the no-truck zones. Curfews will be lifted on Hyde Street so that large trucks can access the ramps and fuel depot.