‘It’s petrifying’: Inner-west locals fear for safety after truck spike
Sydney Morning Herald
by Rachael WardFebruary 19, 2026
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Kensington residents are increasingly worried about their safety due to a surge in heavy truck traffic on local roads since the opening of the West Gate Tunnel. The tunnel's implementation of no-truck zones and curfews does not apply to Kensington, leading to concerns over rat-running trucks near schools, shops, and homes. Airdre Grant, a local resident, reported a significant increase in large vehicles, which has made her cautious about navigating neighborhood streets with her grandson. Similarly, Sean McConville of the Kensington Business Association noted that traffic has become "excessive," particularly with big B-doubles using residential roads more than anticipated, causing safety hazards for pedestrians and cyclists.
The community's fears are heightened by a recent incident involving a cyclist struck by a truck on Macaulay Road, as well as ongoing concerns about trucks using local streets as shortcuts to avoid tolls. Dr. Kate Kennedy of the Kensington Association highlighted the immediate impact on safety, noise levels, and overall livability. The City of Melbourne is conducting traffic surveys to better understand road usage patterns in the area.
Residents are also concerned about the environmental and social effects of increased truck activity, including air pollution and the strain on local businesses. Despite Transurban's data showing that the tunnel is meeting expectations with an average of 39,000 vehicles daily, locals argue that trucks should not be using residential streets for shortcuts. The state government has allocated $100 million to address tunnel-related impacts in nearby areas, but Kensington is not listed as a beneficiary.
Public submissions are currently open, and residents hope their feedback will lead to solutions. The situation underscores the broader challenge of balancing infrastructure development with community safety and well-being, particularly for those living near major transportation projects.
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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/19/2026