LEETON Shire Council is cracking down on trucks using roads not designed or designated to handle their heavy weight.
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Council, together with Leeton police and the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS), will be penalising those using roads that haven't been classified for heavy loads.
The move comes following extensive damage to some roads in the shire that are being used by heavier vehicles, but are designated as having a 10-tonne weight limit.
Council director of engineering and technical services Barry Heins said illegal truck movements in the shire can attract large infringement penalties.
"Not all roads, even roads recently repaired under flood recovery work, have sufficient pavement to handle heavy loads," Mr Heins said.
"This is why council has 10-tonne limits on some roads.
"Farmers and industry can apply to council to have roads upgraded for B-double or roadtrain access.
"These can then be assessed and gazetted for use if suitable.
"If a road is not approved, it is illegal to use B-doubles or roadtrains on that road.
"We want farmers and businesses to work with us and not against us."
Roads designated as having a 10-tonne limit in the shire include Whitton Road, Back Whitton Road, Stringer Road, Mount Harris Road, Kirkup Road, Racecourse Road, Stringer Road and many others.
Mr Heins said Whitton Road and others surrounding Murrami had been causing problems.
He said some drivers believed if the road was damaged as a result of illegal use it would be upgraded.
"If we have to spend money on repairing roads after illegal use it will mean less money for the planned upgrades," Mr Heins said.
"Council will only repair the roads, not upgrade them if damage is caused by illegal use.
"People cannot short-circuit the program."
Leeton shire is currently working with neighbouring councils to identify roads that should be upgraded to allow for B-double and roadtrain access.
These roads will be assessed and remedial works undertaken to a standard that is capable of heavy vehicle use.
It is possible these works would be programmed in future years for construction that could include widening and pavement upgrades.
"No farmer is allowed to run B-double or roadtrains on load-limited roads," Mr Heins said.
"Council is aware of the demands on farmers and business and the costs of transporting goods on and off their properties.
"We are focused on future upgrades that enable council to support such business and not drive them away."