Courier driver concerned over extra wide loads

TOOWOOMBA courier driver Nancy McCulloch spends 10 hours a day driving and is concerned about the increasing number of wide loads passing through the city.

Mrs McCulloch, 59, said if she got stuck driving behind a wide load it would add an extra 20 minutes to her twice-daily trip to Brisbane.

"Particularly in the last five months there has been a marked increase in the amount of wide loads coming up and down the Range," she said.

"They sit at 10/15kmh and slow all traffic behind them.

"I hear the semi trailer drivers talking about it on their radios. Trying to find a gear to get up that incline at that speed is just insane."

Mrs McCulloch said many wide loads used to only travel on the Range late at night and their day-time trips were causing traffic chaos.

"We've been promised the Range crossing for decades, so I really think it is time for Toowoomba to make a stand.

"I'd like to see a city-wide petition and everyone sign it."

Mrs McCulloch has voiced her concerns to local politicians.

A Transport and Main Roads spokeswoman said 4784 wide loads moved through Toowoomba in 2011/2012.

She said wide loads were not allowed through the city from 7am to 9am and 3.30pm to 6pm on weekdays.