Safety advocates in North Queensland are urging the State Government to provide more places for trucks to leave their trailers, as drivers are forced to ditch their loads in unsafe and unsuitable areas.

The National Transport Road Operators group says things are particularly bad near the tropical city of Townsville, where drivers have no good places to leave their trailers or refuel.

Truck drivers are being forced to ditch larger units along the side of the notoriously-dangerous Bruce or Flinders highways, increasing the risk to all motorists on the already unsafe stretch.

NTRO spokesperson Barbara Anderson says the lack of space puts lives at risk.

“Our roads aren't wide enough to accommodate trailers, bike riders and passing traffic at the same time,” she said.

“It'll be putting not just the drivers at risk but other people who are using the road at risk.”

The group says it has made a written submission to the State Government to push for more land to be used as a drop-off area for road train trailers.

The Queensland Government claims it has already allocated almost $270 million for lay-over spot and rest stops in the region.