Up to 1,900 trucks a day are expected to be removed from the Stoney Creek Road corridor under a new NSW Government scheme aimed at shifting through-heavy vehicles back onto the M5 East and M8 motorways.
The changes will directly affect Stoney Creek Road, Forest Road and King Georges Road, which have become alternative routes for heavy vehicles seeking to avoid motorway tolls. Residents and businesses around Bexley and Arncliffe have raised concerns for years about truck noise, exhaust, congestion and road safety.
The first stage is due to begin in February 2027. Vehicles longer than 20 metres will be prevented from using the Stoney Creek Road corridor for through journeys unless they have a valid exemption.
A second stage later in 2027 will extend the requirement to trucks and buses longer than 12.5 metres. Cameras will be installed along the suburban corridor and eligible heavy vehicles that use the local route instead of the motorway will face a $241 fine after the applicable grace period.
Local access will remain available through exemptions. The NSW Government says exemptions will include local deliveries, servicing activities, dangerous-goods transport, oversize loads and recreational vehicles such as caravans, boats and horse trailers.
The scheme will be accompanied by assistance for heavy-vehicle operators. This includes targeted toll relief intended to encourage motorway use and more freight movements outside peak periods, including plans to reduce overnight truck tolls to the equivalent car toll on eligible trips.
The government says truck traffic increased on the suburban corridor after a toll was introduced on the previously toll-free M5 East in 2020. The current M5 East truck toll is $24.47.
Clearway arrangements will also change, with eastbound clearways applying during the morning peak and westbound clearways during the afternoon peak.
The announcement follows sustained local campaigning. Bayside Council has previously raised concerns about toll-avoiding trucks on Forest Road and Stoney Creek Road, including noise, pollution, congestion and pedestrian and motorist safety. Bexley Chamber of Commerce has also pushed for changes to reduce the impact on the town centre and surrounding community.
The NSW Government says it is continuing consultation with the freight industry and other stakeholders on vehicle classes, exemptions, local-access requirements and implementation details before the restrictions take effect.