However an attempt to start discussions on whether that should be allowed was also blocked last week.

During Tuesday night’s Shoalhaven City Council meeting Cr Gareth Ward tried to introduce as a matter of urgency a debate on using the sand track when the highway was closed due to a fatal accident, however the attempt was blocked by a five-to-four vote of councillors.

“The motion I sought to introduce proposed meeting with the police and RTA about the proposal, consider reducing the speed for heavy vehicles when the option was being used, request extra funds to maintain the road as a result of its use by heavy vehicles and report back to council with any other considerations before making a final decision,” Cr Ward said.

He promised to introduce the matter as a notice of motion to the next council meeting.