Tasman Council Urged To Keep Key Road Open: A Realistic Plea From Truck Drivers

Aria Freeman

4 min read

Post on May 11, 2025

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Economic Impact of Road Closure on Trucking Industry

The potential closure of State Highway 6 would inflict a significant blow to the transport industry in the Tasman region. The economic impact assessment would undoubtedly reveal severe consequences for trucking businesses, impacting their bottom line and potentially causing job losses.

• Increased Fuel Costs: Longer alternative routes will dramatically increase fuel consumption, significantly impacting operating costs for trucking companies. This added expense could force some businesses to reduce their fleets or raise prices, potentially impacting their competitiveness.
• Delayed Delivery Times and Contract Losses: Longer travel times mean delayed deliveries, potentially leading to significant penalties and the loss of valuable contracts. This loss of revenue could force businesses into financial difficulty.
• Increased Vehicle Wear and Tear: The extra mileage on alternative routes will increase wear and tear on vehicles, requiring more frequent and costly maintenance. This will further strain already tight profit margins.
• Job Losses within the Trucking Industry: Reduced business viability could lead to layoffs and job losses within the trucking industry, impacting families and the local economy.
• Negative Impact on Local Businesses: Many local businesses rely on timely deliveries for their supplies and products. Delays caused by the road closure would disrupt supply chains, leading to stock shortages and potential losses for these businesses.

These economic consequences highlight the urgent need for the Tasman Council to carefully consider the impact of their decision on the entire supply chain and the broader logistics network.

Safety Concerns and Alternative Routes

Shifting traffic to alternative routes presents significant safety risks. The potential increase in traffic congestion on secondary roads, many of which are not designed for heavy vehicle traffic, is a major concern.

• Increased Traffic Congestion: Narrower roads and increased traffic volumes will lead to congestion, increasing the risk of accidents involving both heavy and light vehicles.
• Higher Accident Risk: Alternative routes may feature unsuitable road conditions, such as sharp bends, inadequate visibility, and poor road surfaces, increasing the risk of accidents and potentially causing serious injuries.
• Longer Travel Times and Driver Fatigue: Extended travel times lead to increased driver fatigue, a significant factor contributing to road accidents. This poses a safety risk not only to drivers but also to other road users.

Thorough consideration of road safety must be a top priority in any decision regarding the closure of State Highway 6. Implementing robust accident prevention measures and conducting a comprehensive risk assessment are crucial.

Community Support for Keeping the Road Open

The potential closure of State Highway 6 has sparked widespread community support for keeping the road open. Local businesses, residents, and community groups have voiced their strong opposition, emphasizing the road's vital role in the region's economy and daily life.

• Numerous petitions have been launched, gathering thousands of signatures demonstrating the widespread public opinion against the closure.
• Local businesses have publicly expressed their concerns, detailing the potential negative impact on their operations and profitability.
• Community groups have organized rallies and public campaigns to draw attention to the issue and pressure the Tasman Council to reconsider.

These initiatives underscore the strong community sentiment in favor of maintaining access via State Highway 6.

The Tasman Council's Perspective (and Rebuttal)

While the Tasman Council's exact reasoning for considering the closure is not yet fully public, potential reasons may include concerns regarding road maintenance costs or safety issues. However, a simple closure ignores the far-reaching negative consequences. Instead of closure, the Council should explore:

• Improved Road Maintenance: Investing in regular maintenance and timely repairs would address concerns regarding the condition of State Highway 6, making it safer and more cost-effective in the long run.
• Targeted Safety Improvements: Implementing specific safety measures, such as improved signage, road markings, and traffic calming measures, could address any safety concerns without necessitating a complete closure.
• Alternative Solutions: Exploring alternative solutions to address the council's underlying concerns should be prioritized before considering such a disruptive measure.

Conclusion

The potential closure of State Highway 6 presents significant economic and safety risks to the trucking industry and the wider Tasman community. Ignoring the widespread community support for keeping the road open would be detrimental. The Tasman Council must prioritize the well-being of its citizens and the economic health of the region. We urge you to contact the Tasman Council directly to voice your concerns and support for Keeping the Key Road Open in Tasman. Visit [link to Tasman Council website] or sign the petition at [link to petition]. Let's work together to ensure the continued accessibility of State Highway 6 for the benefit of all. Failing to act decisively to Urge the Tasman Council to Keep the Road Open could have devastating long-term consequences.