Queensland transport minister to examine road-train signage after operator was fined $600 for using clip-on fabric sign
By Brad Gardner | October 25, 2012
The Queensland Government is looking at allowing road train operators to switch from using metal to fabric signs on their vehicles.
Transport Minister Scott Emerson pledged to consider the move after Warrego MP Howard Hobbs informed him a driver received an on-the-spot fine of $600 for not using a legally required metal sign.
During a recent estimates hearing, Hobbs asked Emerson if it would be appropriate for the trucking industry to use fabric signs as long as they were attached securely and met the relevant colour code and size standards.
“At the moment it is not legal, as you quite rightly say. But it is something we are looking at because as a government we are very keen always to listen to the industry and make sensible decisions,” Emerson responded.
“We are looking at that issue. We will make sure that we get back to you and the industry about that issue of concern to them.”
Emerson says escort arrangements for over-dimensional loads are also being reviewed to cope with a rise in the number of permit applications for escorts.
Emerson says Transport and Main Roads issued 19,348 permits in 2011-12, a rise of 2,234 over the previous financial year. Queensland Police issued about 7,000 escort permits.
He says increasing activity in the resources sector, particularly LNG, has led to the spike. Emerson says his department is forecast to issue 23,000 permits this financial year, while Queensland Police is tipped to coordinate more than 30,000 escorted loads by 2014.
“A police permit for wide over-dimensional loads is issued only after the availability of police to escort the load has been arranged,” Emerson says.
“Some regions are experiencing delays in identifying and allocating police escorts to loads due to rapidly increasing demand. This is particularly so for loads destined for the Galilee Basin.”
Emerson says the Heavy Vehicle Road Operations Program Office is working with industry to improve the operational allocation of police escorts to loads.
The office includes Transport and Main Roads, Queensland Police, Queensland Rail and Queensland Rail National.
“Both my department and QPS are reviewing police escorting policy requirements to identify business improvements that will make the availability of police escorts more streamlined and responsive to meet this increase in demand,” he says.
