HVS Industry Information Sessions

Over the past 12 months, Main Roads’ Heavy Vehicle Services (HVS) team has undertaken a number of industry workshops and information sessions across Western Australia so transport operators, local government representatives and others involved with the transport industry could attend in their local area.

Workshops were held in every region providing Main Roads with an opportunity to further develop industry relationships so that, when new products are developed, or changes to processes and policies are being considered, they’re done with a better understanding of industry needs.

The focus of discussions was around ‘what can we do together to make this work better?’ with participants encouraged to raise concerns, issues and potential solutions. Sessions also included an interactive workshop to discuss trending issues between small groups from across industry and Main Roads subject matter experts on topics including the WA Heavy Vehicle Accreditation, Compliance, Permits, Access and Department of Transport matters.

As a result of feedback from earlier sessions, Main Roads has implemented a number of improvements, with more to come. These included clarifying Pilot roles and responsibilities, rewording conditions to remove ambiguity, amending Traffic Guidance Schemes, improving webpage layouts, increasing dimension limits under certain products, and reviewing access restrictions.

We’re also currently assessing an eight-tyre per axle low loader Period Permit and new Orders to replace the basic Period Permits. This is an example of how we can work together to provide the best outcomes for transport operators across Western Australia.

Consideration is being given to providing further sessions in 2022.

Main Roads recently attended the Dowerin Field Day with representatives from Heavy Vehicle Compliance team, Wheatbelt Regional office, Environment Branch and Department of Transport Marine Safety. The event drew large crowds this year, with the Main Roads stand attracting a record number of visitors.

The Transport Inspectors took questions from visiting truck drivers and farmers with the main topic for discussion being the impact of winter rains on the road network in our regions. The overwhelming sentiment was people would rather have the rain, bumper crops and damage to the road, than no rain and no crops.

Environment Branch took the opportunity to raise awareness of the Wheatbelt Revegetation Bank program, and promote opportunities for landowners to sell their unused property near the road network for potential inclusion into the Revegetation Bank. There was also interest in future projects in the Wheatbelt, including the Bindoon Bypass and Eastlink.

Main Roads was also represented at this year’s Kununurra Agriculture Show, Newdegate Machinery Field Days and the Perth Boat Show.