Overtaking road trains is a difficult and daunting task for drivers across Australia’s roads, but in Western Australia that intimidating decision is set to be made easier with the rollout of new signage one some of the state’s longest road vehicles.
Road trains over 22 metres long will have new signage placed on the back of the vehicle in order to help other road users make more informed decisions when operating around them by increasing awareness of the road train’s size.
It will replace the existing signage for vehicles between 22-60 metres long and will show the number of trailers and total length of the vehicle, while also including a graphic to indicate the heavy vehicle’s equivalent number of car lengths.
The change has been introduced following a successful trial in the state, after which 90 per cent of respondents voted to implement the new signage.
Interstate heavy vehicle operators travelling across the border to WA will not be penalised for now displaying the new signage. Existing warning signage will be recognised and accepted.
Acting Transport Minister John Carey says the change will help all road users remain safe while operating around some of the nation’s most important vehicles.
“We rely on road trains to keep our economy moving and we know how intimidating it can sometimes be trying to overtake one,” Carey says.
“This way other drivers have the information in front of them regarding how long the vehicle is which helps them make a more informed decision when overtaking.
“This initiative is all about making roads easier to navigate and safer for all drivers by giving motorists the length of larger vehicles they may be sharing the road with.”
There will be a six-month transition period to the new regulatory signs, which started on July 1, 2024.
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