A local truckie has challenged Victoria's Roads Minister to experience the region's dangerous roads from behind the wheel of a heavy vehicle.
Stewart Edgar of Sutherland Transport Services recently demonstrated the hazardous driving conditions to Shepparton MP state Member for Shepparton Kim O'Keeffe during a ride-along in his truck.
“When trucks are passing one another on so many of these local roads, Mr Edgar has pointed out that there simply isn't the clearance to swerve to miss a pothole or damaged road surfaces, and often it's a case of hit the pothole or end up in a ditch or a head on collision,” Ms O'Keeffe said.
“Damage to their vehicles from the appalling condition of our roads is costing local truck companies thousands of dollars every month and it is simply not sustainable.”
The formal invitation was extended to Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Melissa Horne during parliament, requiring her written response within a month.
Ms O'Keeffe stressed that proper road maintenance and safety were vital issues impacting transport operators' livelihoods across the region, with numerous companies facing hefty repair bills due to deteriorating road conditions.