Transport for NSW (TfNSW) commissioned the Australian Road Research Board (ARRB) to undertake a Dangerous Goods (DG) movement study last September – and the latest results are in.
The aim of the project was to determine where DG are being transported by road in NSW, with a focus on the Sydney metropolitan region, in order to identify and protect DG routes.
The study has encompassed the transportation of bulk tanked flammable gas, flammable liquid and chemicals, with the use of telematics data to identify movements.
Transport Certification Australia (TCA) undertook the analysis in a de-identified and aggregated manner to ensure the privacy of participants.
Four industry associations – Road Freight NSW, National Bulk Tanker Association, Gas Energy Australia and National Road Transport Association – participated in the project.
According to Formula Chemicals Director and Road Freight NSW Chairman Leigh Smart a total of 152 DG tanker operators took part in the study by allowing TCA to access and collate their telematics data.
“This provided a broad representation of the industry and presented valuable evidence-based insights into the various types of DG movements in NSW, and particularly around the Sydney basin,” said Smart.
“The information will be collated and analysed for the preparation of the final Report.”
Smart said TCA will be in contact with the individual companies that took part in the study to supply the results of the analysis undertaken for their own in-house use.
“In Formula’s case, it was found that over a 12-month period there were over 22,000 DG movements throughout NSW,” said Smart.
“The information provided has helped in streamlining our operations and to limit the number of DG movements and duplications in some areas.
“It is proposed that an industry consultation workshop will be undertaken at the completion of the project where the outcome of the study will be presented.
“I would like to thank everyone who was involved in the project for their support as the outcome will assist TfNSW in identifying and implementing strategies to protect and improve DG routes," he said.
