When the bay is operating RMS staff place a sign on the Princes Highway to warn southbound truck drivers they are approaching the bay and should move into the left lane.

The warning sign is located on the southern side of a hill leading down to the intersection of Hillcrest Avenue and the highway.

Steve Gauci from Classic Removals said putting the sign there did not give truck drivers in the right lane enough time to change to the left lane before the inspection bay.

He noticed the problem while driving a truck recently and was caught in the right hand lane on approach to the bay.

He said he saw the sign but was unable to move to the left hand lane before the inspection bay because of traffic.

“I could see the RMS officer waving a finger of warning at me as I went past, so I was lucky because I think the fine for that is $609,” he said.

“I support the inspection bays, I would rather see the rogue drivers taken off the roads,” he said.

“RMS really needs to put that sign further north, so trucks see it when they are climbing the hill.

“The situation is going to get worse in summer when there is more traffic,” he said.

A spokesperson from Roads and Maritime Services welcomed Mr Gauci’s suggestion.

The spokesperson said RMS would “look to install the signs further out” to give drivers more time to prepare to pull over.

“Roads and Maritime Services placed signs advising of the upcoming inspection bay in the location due to site constraints including narrow road shoulders,” the spokesperson said.

“Heavy vehicle drivers are reminded they must move into the left lane where practical in speeds zones above 80km/h. 

“In areas with lower speed limits, heavy vehicles should travel in the left lane as a matter of courtesy to other drivers, especially on hills where speeds may be reduced further.”