New roadtrain warning signs are being trialled in Western Australia.
The trial signage involving Centurion Transport and Qube Bulk, provides motorists with a visual clue that indicates how long and what type of roadtrain is in front of them.
Main Roads Heavy Vehicle Services (HVS) said it was a safety initiative designed to assist road users to make more informed decisions about how they share the road with, and overtake, roadtrains.
“The existing ‘Long Vehicle’ and ‘Road Train’ warning signs are vague in terms of what type of vehicle is actually in front of drivers,” Main Roads WA said in a statement.
“The new signage being trialled will replace them and provide an illustrative example of the vehicle combination, and an indication of the length of the vehicle combination it is fitted to,” the statement continued.
“The signs also align to the ‘road train route’ signs that are often seen on regional highways.”
A suite of signs have been developed to cover the standard 27.5 metre, 36.5 metre, and 53.5 metre combinations, as well as Performance-Based Standards (PBS) Scheme 30-metre, 32-metre and 42-metre combinations.
A special sign is already in use for 60-metre PBS roadtrains.
Centurion Transport and Qube Bulk will participate in the trial by fitting the signs to some of their vehicles.
Other operators are welcome to participate in the trial and require an approval letter from HVS.
Operators can register their interest to participate in the trial by emailing hvs@mainroads.wa.gov.au. All operators will pay for their own signage.
Information about the trial will be posted to social media and the Main Roads Western Australia website.
Feedback is welcome via the survey available on the trial page on My Say Transport.
Main Roads Western Australia is particularly interested in hearing from the general public to see if the signs are more informative and meaningful.
If the trial is successful, HVS will implement the new signage for all Class 2 and 3 Restricted Access Vehicles (RAVs) in Western Australia, including B-doubles, roadtrains and rigid truck and trailer combinations.
HVS will also liaise with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator to share the feedback received and encourage them to adopt the same signage.
“It’s important to note that interstate operators will not be disadvantaged or penalised,” Main Roads Western Australia said.
“HVS will continue to recognise and accept ‘Long Vehicle’ and ‘Road Train’ warning signage requirements specified in other jurisdictions when RAVs travel across the border into Western Australia.”
Centurion said it would display the new signage on the rear of its trailers in the coming months.
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