Long vehicles to face heavier penalties in Galston Gorge

Drivers who enter Galston Gorge in an overlength vehicle will face harsher penalties, with an increase to fines and demerit points coming into effect today Friday 28 March 2025.

Transport for NSW Deputy Secretary of Safety, Policy, Environment and Regulation Sally Webb said the penalty for driving an overlength vehicle in Galston Gorge will climb from a $2,818 on the spot fine to $4,633, and from six to 12 demerit points.

“When a long vehicle gets stuck in Galston Gorge, the road is typically closed for about two hours which can cause major delays and can be difficult for response crews to rectify.” Ms Webb said.

“Since the beginning of 2020 we’ve detected and issued fines to more than 800 overlength vehicles in Galston Gorge, which shows people are ignoring the 20 warning signs on approach. 

“Drivers have an obligation to check their vehicle’s dimensions and their loads, and to plan their trips to ensure they don’t break the rules.

“This increase is designed to deter rogue drivers from attempting to use a road they are clearly not suitable for and minimise the impacts for other motorists,” Ms Webb said.

Galston Gorge is a busy thoroughfare between Galston and Hornsby which is notorious for its steep inclines and hairpins. Heavy vehicles and buses that are 7.5 metres or over in length are prohibited from entering.

“Heavy vehicles over 7.5 metres need to travel via Old Northern Road, New Line Road, Boundary Road, Pennant Hills Road, Pacific Highway and George Street. It may feel like this route adds about 30 minutes to travel time but it’s much faster than getting stuck in the Gorge,” Ms Webb said.

There are multiple warnings on the approach to Galston Gorge, including static and active warning signs, electronic measuring devices, a vehicle length measuring bay and a vehicle length camera. 

Additionally, the registration of the vehicle and the driver’s licence may also be suspended for a period of up to six months if they disobey the rules.