Truck drivers using a busy suburban road in Sydney’s southwest to avoid motorway tolls will face fines of $241 under new restrictions beginning in February 2027.

The NSW Government will progressively ban heavy vehicles from Stoney Creek Road (below), with the changes expected to remove up to 1900 trucks daily from the surrounding road network.

The restrictions are intended to redirect trucks onto the M5 and M8 motorways, reducing congestion, noise and exhaust emissions in residential areas.

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According to Yahoo News Australia, the crackdown follows growing concerns about trucks avoiding the M5 East after tolls were introduced on the previously free motorway. Heavy vehicle drivers currently face charges of $27.47, encouraging some operators to seek alternative routes.

The resulting increase in truck traffic has affected residents in Bexley, Arncliffe and Beverly Hills, where heavy vehicles regularly travel through suburban streets.

From February, vehicles longer than 20 metres will be prohibited from using Stoney Creek Road. The restriction will subsequently expand to trucks and buses exceeding 12.5 metres later in 2027, although an implementation date has not been confirmed.

Cameras will monitor compliance, with offending drivers facing $241 fines.

Exemptions will apply to local deliveries and recreational vehicles, including caravans, boats and horse floats.

Transport Minister John Graham said WestConnex was intended to remove trucks from residential streets, but the introduction of tolls had contributed to traffic being diverted through surrounding neighbourhoods.

The government is also introducing financial assistance for smaller trucking operators affected by the restrictions.

From July 1, 2027, eligible small heavy-vehicle fleet operators will be able to claim rebates of up to $1000, paid quarterly.

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Meanwhile, changes to the existing Truck Multiplier Rebate will allow eligible heavy vehicles travelling on the M5 and M8 between 9pm and 5am to pay passenger-car toll rates from January 1, 2027.

The approach follows Sydney’s NorthConnex restrictions, which redirected heavy vehicles away from Pennant Hills Road and onto the motorway.

Authorities expect the latest measures to improve traffic conditions while reducing the impact of heavy vehicles on nearby residential communities.