A SECRET map detailing a proposed B-Triple truck route through Ballarat was revealed yesterday.
Department of Transport documents leaked to the opposition plotted routes that will allow the long, heavy trucks on to the Western Fwy and highways through Rockbank, Bacchus Marsh, Ballarat, Ararat and the SA border.
Opposition transport spokesman Terry Mulder said Premier John Brumby and Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas had intended to include the map as part of Labor's transport strategy due in November, without any community consultation.
"In December 2007, Minister Pallas promised full consultation with local communities and councils about B-Triples," Mr Mulder said.
"John Brumby should tell Minister Pallas to pick up the phone and start making calls instead of treating local communities and councils like mushrooms."
Mr Mulder questioned the safety of the B-Triple trucks, which tow three trailers, can weigh up to 82 tonnes and are up to 36m long.
"B-Triples are longer and heavier than any vehicles currently operating on Victorian roads," he said.
"Motorists will require extra time to safely pass these longer B-Triples."
Spokeswoman for Minister Pallas Fiona Macrae said the leaked documents were part of a plan the government was still working on and no decisions had been made as yet.
"Options for managing Victoria's increasing road freight task are being considered in the context of the government's comprehensive transport plan for Victoria, currently being developed," she said.
"Victoria's freight task is expected to double by 2030.
"That's more TVs, DVDs and food to be moved around the state and we need to move it as efficiently as possible."
Ms Macrae said the government would continue to assess the views of the community and the industry to look at the impact of high productivity vehicles.
"Introducing these vehicles on restricted routes on our road network will actually take trucks off the road, reduce congestion and have environmental benefits as well," she said.