Western Australia is leading the charge with a new safety initiative for road trains, becoming the first state to introduce pictorial length signage. If you’re operating a road train or another heavy vehicle in WA, you’ll need to be aware of these new requirements. Starting from July 1, the new signs will be rolled out, and operators will have six months to transition.
What’s Changing?
The new signs are designed to give other road users a clearer understanding of the length of the road train or heavy vehicle in front of them, which is crucial when deciding whether to overtake. These signs will display:
- The number of trailers attached to the vehicle.
- The total length of the vehicle, represented by a visual of equivalent car lengths.
These updated signs will replace the current “ROAD TRAIN” or “LONG VEHICLE” signage, which covers combinations ranging from 22 to 60 meters.
Why the New Signs?
According to Acting Transport Minister John Carey, this initiative is all about enhancing road safety for everyone. By clearly showing the length of larger vehicles, other motorists can make more informed decisions when overtaking, leading to safer roads.
“This way, other drivers have the information in front of them regarding how long the vehicle is, helping them make better overtaking decisions,” said Carey.
Where Will You See These Signs?
The new signs will be displayed on the rear of restricted access vehicles, including road trains and other heavy vehicles operating in WA. This means drivers following these vehicles will have a clearer picture of just how long they are before attempting any risky overtakes.
Industry Feedback and Timeline
The new signage follows a successful trial that began in late 2022, with companies like Centurion Transport and Qube Bulk participating. The feedback from these trials has been overwhelmingly positive, with road users appreciating the added clarity.
While WA is currently the only state introducing these signs, there’s interest from other states, and we may see this initiative spread across Australia in the future.
For those operating heavy vehicles interstate, there’s no need to worry—current “ROAD TRAIN” and “LONG VEHICLE” signs will still be recognized and accepted when driving in WA.
The WA transport industry has until January 1, 2025 to fully switch over to the new signage.
Get Ready for the Change
At GPR Trucks, we’re here to help you make this transition smoothly. Whether you need new signage or have questions about the regulations, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re committed to keeping you updated and compliant with the latest industry standards.
For more details on the new signage requirements, check out the information available on the Main Roads WA website. Stay safe, stay informed, and keep your vehicles road-ready with GPR Trucks.
