The state government today announced significant improvements to the way heavy vehicle transport is managed on the state's road network.


The state government today announced significant improvements to the way heavy vehicle transport is managed on the state's road network.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said that Main Roads, with strong support from local government and the transport industry, had been working on the development of heavy vehicle networks in response to the increasing demand for permits from the transport industry.
The permit system was important to ensure heavy haulage vehicles were operating safely and properly balancing the interests of the community and the transport industry.
The change from an individual operator focused system to a more strategic network approach of road use was aimed at promoting a level playing field and equity within the transport industry.
"Instead of annual permits, many classes of permit will be changed to three years duration," the Minister said.
"The Class 2 and 3 Restricted Access Vehicle Period Permit, available from July 1, provides specific heavy vehicle combinations with a comprehensive series of clearly defined networks. For example, B-Doubles will have access to over 4,400 roads throughout the State."
The WA heavy vehicle industry welcomed the announcement of the notice network for freight vehicles.
Transport Forum CEO Debra Goostrey said: "This a major step forward in improving the efficiency of the management of heavy vehicle movements."
"The annual issuing by Main Roads of over 50,000 permits was creating delays and inefficiencies in the system and the industry has been working with the government to address this issue," she said.
Also, the networks will also address the needs of the livestock transport industry by accommodating 4.6m high livestock vehicle combinations on particular routes - an increase on the current 4.3m limit.
Class 2 and 3 Period Permit will cost $50 for a three-year period and annual permit fees for all classes of vehicle will increase from $10 to $25.
The operating conditions and network maps for the Class 2 and 3 Restricted Access Vehicle Period Permit will be available online at the Main Roads website and on CD-ROM.
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A better way to manage WA's freight
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan today announced significant improvements to the way heavy vehicle transport is managed on the State's road network.
"Main Roads, with strong support from local government and the transport industry, has been working on the development of heavy vehicle networks in response to the increasing demand for permits from the transport industry," Ms MacTiernan said.
The permit system was important to ensure heavy haulage vehicles were operating safely and properly balancing the interests of the community and the transport industry.
"Instead of annual permits, many classes of permit will be changed to three years duration," the Minister said.
"The Class 2 & 3 Restricted Access Vehicle Period Permit, available from July 1, provides specific heavy vehicle combinations with a comprehensive series of clearly defined networks.
"For example, B-Doubles will have access to over 4,400 roads throughout the State.
"Importantly, the networks will also address the needs of the livestock transport industry by accommodating 4.6m high livestock vehicle combinations on particular routes - an increase on the 4.3m limit.
"The Class 2 & 3 Period Permit will cost $50 for a three-year period and annual permit fees for all classes of vehicle will increase from $10 to $25.
"Significantly, this is the first increase in charges applied for annual permits since the late 1970s and is in line with increasing costs incurred.
"The operating conditions and network maps for the Class 2 & 3 Restricted Access Vehicle Period Permit will be available online at the Main Roads website and on CD-ROM."
Ms MacTiernan said the change from an individual operator focused system to a more strategic network approach aimed to promote a level playing field and equity within the transport industry.