News

Howard Street heavy vehicle access trial update

20 October 2026

The Howard Street heavy vehicle access survey closed on 11 September 2026. Thank you to everyone who participated.

The information gathered from the survey was summarised and provided in a report to Council to consider ahead of a decision to be made at the Council Meeting on 19 October 2026 as to whether to proceed with a trial.

Following community consultation, the Greater Bendigo City Council has voted not to undertake a trial banning heavy vehicle access between 8am and 9.30am and 2.30pm and 4pm, Monday to Friday in Howard Street, between Midland Highway and Goynes Road Epsom.

The results of the community consultation showed:

  • A total of 452 submissions were received through the consultation process

  • 179 respondents (40%) supported the trial and 273 respondents (60%) did not support the trial

  • Of the respondents, 388 (86%) participated as residents and 64 (14%) on behalf of a business, while 131 respondents (29%) identified a connection to Epsom Primary School

  • Of the 131 respondents who identified a connection to Epsom Primary School, more than half did not support the trial

Next steps

Although the City will not proceed with the trial, it will continue to investigate, review, implement and advocate for traffic safety improvements within the Howard Street corridor and surrounding road network in partnership with government agencies and stakeholders.