Saffioti says industry consultation led to new solution
Western Australian industry concern on oversize agricultural vehicle movement restrictions has led to a revision of curfews during peak periods.
Following discussions with agricultural industry representatives, a curfew has been lifted on all but Perth metropolitan roads and 11 major regional transport routes, the state government notes.
The curfew will apply to agricultural vehicles above 5.5 metres in width.
For the past 15 years, a curfew applied to oversized vehicles over the Easter and Christmas periods for the safety of tourist traffic, preventing them from moving across the state’s road network during Western Australia’s two busiest holiday seasons.
In association with the review of the movement of agricultural vehicles, Main Roads Western Australia has developed an Agricultural Combinations Order, meaning farmers only need to obtain a permit when an over-mass agricultural combination is required to cross a bridge.
The state government says it applied the rule changes to “[ensure] that the industry can operate efficiently during its busy seeding and harvest periods”.
NHVR released a new ag vehicle notice earlier this year
“These changes have come about after I asked Main Roads to review the curfews applying to the movement of agricultural vehicles following operational concerns raised by the industry,” transport minister Rita Saffioti says.
“Primarily, the curfews restricted industry operations during seeding over the Easter period and at the other end of the season at harvest time which can extend through Christmas and New Year.
“I thank agricultural industry representative groups for their positive contribution in the development of these practical solutions for the safe movement of agricultural vehicles and equipment.”
The curfew for oversize agricultural vehicles now only applies to the following roads:
- All roads within the metropolitan area
- Albany Highway
- Brand Highway
- Brookton Highway
- Bussell Highway
- Forrest Highway
- Indian Ocean Drive
- Muir Highway
- North West Coastal Highway (Geraldton to Kalbarri turn-off)
- Northampton Kalbarri Road
- South Coast Highway
- South Western Highway.