MRWA - INDUSTRY NEWSLETTERS (5)
MRWA March 2022 Newsletter
on 2022-04-14 23:22:30
by
Donna
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MRWA - INDUSTRY NEWSLETTERS
Welcome to the January - March edition of our industry newsletter. The year is shaping up to be another eventful and exciting one. To begin we'd like to acknowledge the increase in permit turn-around timeframes. To help meet industry demands, our staff are currently working overtime and we’re making every effort to engage and train additional team members. Thank you for your continued patience and understanding. We urge you to continue submitting permit applications as early as possible, ensuring full and correct information and necessary documentation is provided. In this quarterly edition, you can find information about:HVS Temporary Special Assistance – Flood Relief PermitsNew functionality in MOVESWhere to register for our WAHVA Industry Online Information Sessions and our Regional WorkshopsHeavy Vehicle Licenced Pilot Scheme Review – UpdateTraffic Escort Services Booking ProcessTransition to Web FormsImproving HVS Digital Services – Traffic Escort Scheduling Solution (TESS)Customer Persona Review. For further information on anything included in this newsletter, please contact the Heavy Vehicle Helpdesk via email at hvs@mainroads.wa.gov.au.HVS Temporary Special Assistance - Flood Relief Permits In February, as part of the response to the disruption to the East-West Rail Link in South Australia due to flooding, we worked with our Eastern States counterparts and Industry to manage the closure and subsequent supply chain challenges. To ensure the continued supply of food and other essential goods to Western Australia, we developed two Temporary Special Assistance – Flood Relief Permits. In total there were 510 Flood Relief Permits issued. HVS provided 24/7 coverage and escorted loads from the Northam Road Train Assembly Area. Some of the statistics relating specifically to the flood relief permits are provided below. Enhancements to MOVES launched HVS recently introduced a number of new features and enhancements to its self-service customer portal, MOVES. These aim to improve efficiency and streamline HVS services by allowing customers to manage their applications and payments in the one place. We’ve developed a collection of tutorial videos which you can access from the MOVES page and include:Creating a MOVES accountFiltering permit informationAdding a new vehicleMaking paymentsFurther information regarding the new features is available on the MOVES page on our website.Updated Oversize Operating Conditions As part of amendments that have been made to the Class 1 Oversize Period Permit Operating Conditions and the Single Trip OSOM Vehicle Standard Operating Conditions, Appendix 5 within the Single Trip OSOM Vehicle Standard Operating Conditions has been amended to include updated Escort and Pilot Vehicle requirements, as outlined below:The requirement for a Traffic Escort has been replaced with a third pilot vehicle when accompanying an OSOM vehicle over 40 metres in length, up to 50 metres in length, outside the metropolitan area and within the metropolitan area between 9:30 pm and 5:00 am, excluding Freeways.This change has come about as part of our ongoing commitment to consider ways to assist in reducing the demand for TEW bookings, without negatively impacting road safety. Previously, an OSOM vehicle exceeding 40 metres in length has required one (1) Escort Vehicle and two (2) Pilot Vehicles. By replacing the Escort Vehicle requirement with a Pilot Vehicle, it ensures the movement of the OSOM vehicle can continue to be managed safely, whilst making additional TEW resources available to be redirected to other booking requests for higher risk OSOM movements. Please see HVS Update 17-2022 for a full list of amendments and information. The revised operating conditions are now available on the Oversize Overmass (OSOM) page on our website.Planned Introduction of Web Forms Over the next 6 months, we’ll be transitioning our PDF application forms to web forms. Using web forms will provide you with the ability to complete and submit application forms and attach supporting documents (where required) in one step. The first rollout of forms will be available in May and include: Application to List or Update Vehicle or Trailer Information FormRestricted Access Vehicle Operator Registration FormTraffic Escort Services Booking Request or Cancellation or Amendment Application FormAs we transition to web forms, a collection of 'how-to' videos will also be released on the Main Roads website to assist you. WAHVA Industry Online Information Sessions Reminder Changes to the WAHVAS Business Rules, Module Standards and Operator Guide: How to become and stay accredited came into effect on 31 March 2022 for new Accredited Operators, with existing Accredited Operators having until 31 March 2023 to transition. Since early March, we’ve been hosting online information sessions, that provide an overview of the changes. The one hour sessions will continue until the end of May. Places are limited for each session. If you would like to register please click on the button below:Register Here The updated documents are available on the Accreditation and Auditing page on our website. WAHVA Certified Auditor Online Information Sessions We held three online information sessions for the WAHVA Auditor Group in January. Attendees had the opportunity to discuss any queries they had about the planned changes to the Module Standards and Templates, and Certification and Training Process directly with the HVS Accreditation Team. Each of the sessions covered topics including:Main Roads WAHVA Auditor Certification Process: online training, important dates and pre-qualification requirementsAmendments to the audit report, operator guide, audit matrix, FAQ’s, guidelines for audit providers and the module standardsAn overview of the planned engagement with the transport industry about the changes to the module standards. 2022 HVS Industry Workshop and Information Session Dates and Reminder Due to restrictions relating to public health and social measures, our first HVS Industry Workshop and Information Session for the year is planned for the 28 April in the Metropolitan Region. As usual spots filled quickly for this workshop, however, we would like to remind everyone that you can still register to attend our other regional sessions. These provide a good opportunity for you to come and discuss and raise any heavy vehicle issues with staff from key areas within HVS and the Department of Transport, with a focus on 'What we can do together to make this work better?' If you haven't already, please register below. Register HereTraffic Escort Services Booking Process Change In response to requests from industry to reduce the number of false or phantom bookings being made in the Traffic Escort Services (TES) schedule, HVS worked with representatives from Industry to refine the Traffic Escort Booking process. As a result, from 31 March 2022, all TES booking applications and amendments to existing booking dates need to include evidence of the: TES Head Agreement holder’s client details (including company / business name, contact person and contact number)Transport Operatorequipment to be transported anddate(s) of movement(s).This change to process removed 165 ‘phantom’ bookings from the TES schedule. Improving HVS Digital Services Project - Traffic EscortScheduling Solution (TESS) Module The ‘Improving HVS Digital Services Project’, which includes replacing and improving our internal and external facing systems, will commence in the second half of 2022 and will transform the way that we do business with you. We expect our digital transformation will take us up to two years to complete. In recognition of the consistent increase in demand for Traffic Escort Services, and as part of our Improving HVS Digital Services Project, we’re bringing forward the development and deployment of the Traffic Escort Scheduling Solution (TESS) module – which will have both internal and external interfaces. As part of the TESS module development, we identified a group of TES customers, who have agreed to assist us in mapping out the functionality and features our TES customers want to see in the TESS customer interface. Once developed, they will also help us test the functionality and features prior to deployment. Traffic Escort Recruitment We recently wrote an article in the WA Transport Magazine that provided a glimpse into the role of a Main Roads Traffic Escort Warden (TEW). TEWs play a critical role in the movement of high-risk, Over Size Over Mass (OSOM) vehicles throughout Western Australia. The use of a Warden is required where the dimensions of an OSOM vehicle and its load exceed 5.5 metres in width and/or 40 metres in length. If you, or someone you know, is interested in becoming a Traffic Escort Warden, contact Integrity Staffing, Hays Recruitment or Indigenous Managed Services and make an appointment to discuss the role and your suitability further. As vacancies arise, the employment agency will forward your details to Main Roads where your application will be assessed, and if considered to be suitable, you will be interviewed. Main Roads Customer Persona Review Update The Customer Persona Review continued over the last quarter. Thank you again to those who provided feedback and volunteered to be part of the small group or one-on-one interviews. Over 30 per cent of respondents to the ‘Interacting with Main Roads Survey’ identified as Heavy Vehicle Customers. Initial results indicated that these customers preferred to access travel impacts, permits and accreditation information via the website and email. Accessing HVS Travel Impacts: Accessing Permits, Accreditation and other HVS Information: The review also highlighted that a lot of our customers are unaware that they can subscribe to receive the latest HVS news and updates. If you know someone who might benefit from receiving our subscriptions, please feel free to forward this newsletter onto them and encourage them to follow the ‘how to subscribe’ instructions at the bottom of this newsletter. Heavy Vehicle Pilot Licence Reference Group In November 2021 Main Roads announced a review of the Heavy Vehicle Pilot Licence scheme. To assist Heavy Vehicle Services (HVS) undertake the review, a Pilot Licence Reference Group was established to consider significant aspects and inform decisions. See HVS Update 23A-2021 for a list of stakeholders who have accepted the invitation to join the Pilot Licence Reference Group. The review is being led by an independent facilitator and meetings began in March. Pilot training has been identified as one of the key topics of discussion. Information about the progress of the group will be published on the My Say Transport website.Great Northern Highway Convoys At the beginning of April, loads in excess of 4.5 metres wide, were restricted from travelling on Great Northern Highway between Mount Magnet and Paynes Find between, due to inclement weather. The restrictions led to a backlog of over 20 Oversize Overmass (OSOM) loads that were unable to travel this section of the highway. Heavy Vehicle Services worked with our teams from the Mid West Gascoyne Region to collaborate and put in place a plan to clear the backlog. On the morning of 6 April, OSOM loads exceeding 5.5 metres wide were able to depart under traffic escort, in staged convoys of up to six loads. The first departed from Mount Magnet, travelling south of the highway to the exclusion of traffic travelling in the opposite direction. The second convoy departed once the OSOM loads travelling south passed Paynes Find, and the OSOM loads travelling north from Paynes Find were able to depart in convoys to the exclusion of traffic travelling in the opposite direction. Several convoys in each direction were approved for travel, with up to six loads in each convoy to clear the backlog of OSOM loads.Images provided courtesy of Gary Dunlop
MRWA January 2022 Newsletter
on 2022-01-25 04:31:09
by
Donna
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MRWA - INDUSTRY NEWSLETTERS
Welcome to our first industry newsletter for 2022. Our quarterly newsletter aims to provide you with an informative round up of what’s happened in the last quarter and what’s on the horizon .During the 2021 year, HVS issued 35,500 permits and processed more than 4,500 accreditation audits. We also completed 841 route assessments, 1,995 traffic escort services jobs and our transport inspectors intercepted over 10,000 vehicles. Industry had the opportunity to provide input on proposed changes to operating conditions and to participate in various working groups. We took part in the national roadworthy survey and reinvigorated the HVS Industry workshop and information sessions. We also continued our ‘Bigger Than You’ community awareness campaigns, began a review on our communication channels and took on the training and certification of WA Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Certified Auditors.It is going to be another challenging and busy year for us all, but the Transport Industry has shown repeatedly throughout 2021 that they can respond to and meet the challenges at hand and ahead.We look forward to what we’re sure will be another productive year which will see some significant changes to the way that we deliver our services including:enhancements to MOVEStransitioning a number of simple period permits to ordersimprovements to the WA Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Module Standardsonline traffic escort services booking system.n this edition, you will find information on the:Customer Personas + Communication Channel ReviewUpdated OSOM Convoy ConditionsNHVR roadworthiness survey results2022 HVS Industry Workshop and Information SessionsHVS Updates issued between October and December.Customer Personas and HVS Communication Channels Review The Customer Personas Review continued over the past quarter to better understand the needs of the different customer segments or types that Main Roads and HVS communicates with.As part of this process, those who attended our Metro October 2021 Industry workshop were given an opportunity to provide feedback about how they engage with us now and what changes they would like to see in the future. We also asked for feedback on HVS Communication Channels within the ‘Interacting with Main Roads Survey’. This gave respondents the chance to let Main Roads know the best ways to communicate with them. Thank you to those who provided feedback and or volunteered to be part of the small group or one-on-one interviews. Your input is greatly appreciated, is invaluable and will help us deliver services, initiatives and communications that meet your needs now, and into the future. 2022 HVS Industry Workshop and Information Sessions We would like to thank all of those who attended our Industry Workshop and Information Sessions in 2021. The 2022 HVS Industry Workshops and Information series will kick off in the Great Southern Region on February 9 in Albany. You can view and register for any of the 2022 Industry Workshop and Information Sessions, including the Albany session on 9 February here. Outcomes from the 2021 HVS Industry Workshops and Information SessionsOver 200 people attended the last round of Industry workshops held between September 2020 to October 2021 across the state. The sessions received a lot of positive feedback which resulted in HVS implementing a number of changes. These included:The deployment of the over size over mass #biggerthanyou education and safety campaignClarifying pilot roles and responsibilitiesChanges to operating conditionsRewording conditions to remove ambiguityAmending Traffic Guidance SchemesImproving webpage layoutsIntroducing QR codes on material for ease of access to website informationIncreasing dimension limits under certain productsReviewing access restrictions. HVS received a number of suggested workshop / information improvements which we are looking to adopt in the 2022 sessions which included:maintaining a similar formata brief presentation and information by Main Roads on local projects at the startdeveloping and distributing practical, printed materials which can be taken away and usedcommunicating all action items stemming from the sessionsdeveloping a broader communications and engagement plan and strategyutilising existing channels to send info out to industry.WAHVA Auditor Training and Certification process The WA Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Auditor Training and Certification process formally transitioned to Main Roads in September 2021. A reminder to all auditors who wish to continue providing audit services in the WAHVA Scheme, to WAHVA enrolled operators, they are required to have completed their Main Roads WAHVA training and certification by 31 March 2022. As part of the transition process, in January 2022 Main Roads hosted three online information sessions for WAHVA Auditors that took them through changes to WAHVA documentation and processes. Later in 2022, Main Roads will also commence hosting online information sessions for Accredited Operators to provide an understanding of their role and responsibilities as accredited operators in WA. A HVS update will be released that will detail the proposed dates and how to register for these sessions. Heavy Vehicle Licenced Pilot Scheme Review - Reference Group In early 2022 a review of the Heavy Vehicle Pilot Licence (HVPL) scheme will commence, the first since the schemes implementation in 2016/17 and its associated audit regime implementation in 2020. To do this, HVS is establishing a Pilot Licence Reference Group to involve a wide range of stakeholders and a diverse group of participants. The review will consider key areas including Training and Competency Assessment, the Pilot Code of Conduct, the Introduction of Standards for Audits, and Licensing, and will seek to identify potential improvements to reflect the needs of the current WA environment. An expression of interest (EOI) process was held in December to canvass those interested in being a part of the reference group. We will contact the successful participants in the coming weeks. This will ensure a cross section of the Transport Industry and other relevant stakeholders are represented. OSOM Convoy Conditions UpdatedDuring the 2021 HVS Industry Workshop and Information Sessions, industry requested Main Roads to consider applications on a case-by-case basis to expand the permitted routes for larger OSOM convoys, where the proposed route adjoins the approved section of Great Northern Highway. In response to receiving a request for Munjina - Roy Hill Road and Marble Bar Road, Main Roads undertook risk assessments during a trial move under the direction of a Main Roads Traffic Escort Warden. As a result, on 7 December 2021, the convoy provisions in the following operating conditions were updated:Class 1 RAV Oversize Period Permit Operating ConditionsSingle Trip OSOM Vehicle Standard Operating Conditions This now means, up to four (4) OSOM vehicles may travel in convoy on the following additional roads:Munjina - Roy Hill Road, NewmanMarble Bar Road, between Munjina - Roy Hill Road and the turnoff for Roy Hill, Christmas Creek and Cloudbreak mine sites.National Roadworthiness Survey Results Last year we participated in the National Roadworthiness Survey (NRS), alongside other transport compliance agencies across Australia. The Survey showed a significant improvement in the roadworthiness of the Australian heavy vehicle fleet. A NRS 2021 Snapshot Fact Sheet can be found here and the final report can be found on the NHVR website. Conducted over 12 weeks, the NRS involved the inspection of various combinations of heavy vehicle, including rigid trucks, buses and special purpose vehicles. The outcomes of the survey allow transport regulators to target safety programs in key areas. Main Roads Website Changes The Main Roads website has undergone a few changes to its design, look and feel including:New HVS ‘News & Information’ section which will house information relating to the Remote Area’s Consultative Group, upcoming HVS Workshop and Information Sessions and newslettersRestyled homepage with new look and feel for the banner imageProjects and Initiatives together in a single landing page with grouped projects and newsA new ‘search all projects’ page which will be filterable and have a search bar for a refined search of this content.HVS Updates Released HVS Update 27-2021Transport, Freight and Logistics Drivers Entering WA will need Proof of Full Vaccination from 12:01am Friday 24 December 2021 HVS Update 26-2021Update to Convoy Provisions within the Oversize Operating Conditions HVS Update 25-2021Changes to platform trailer relocation period permit operating conditions HVS Update 24-2021South West Region - Shire of Harvey. Downgrade Of Load Rating - Bridge 3735 Over The Wellesley River, On Wellesley Road North HVS Update 22B-2021COVID-19 Testing Availability at Forrestfield Road Train Assembly Area (RTAA) for Interstate Drivers If you wish to receive these directly into your mailbox simply sign up by updating your subscription options here.Heavy Vehicle Helpdesk Available 7 Days a Week Our Heavy Vehicle Help Desk is open from 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday, and 7am to 3:30pm Saturday, Sunday and WA Public Holidays. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call our Help Desk operators on 138 486 or email on hvs@mainroads.wa.gov.au Main Roads Heavy Vehicle Services525 Great Eastern Highway, Redcliffe, WA, 6104
MRWA October 2021 Newsletter
on 2021-10-19 00:58:52
by
Donna
Posted in
MRWA - INDUSTRY NEWSLETTERS
Welcome! We hope the latest edition of our industry newsletter finds you healthy and safe. Although Spring is in the air, theres still been alot of rain and some cold weather, but we're looking forward to the warmer days ahead. In this edition, you will find information about:Changes to the WAHVA certification processOur #BiggerThanYou Safety Campaign 2.0The Customer Personas review we're doingOur participation in regional eventsQuarterly statistics from our operationsOur final industry workshop and information session for 2021 will be held this month in the Metropolitan Region. Registrations quickly filled up for this session and we are now looking to develop the 2022 series. If you’re wanting to participate in next year’s round of regional workshops, let us know here. We’d like to thank those of you who provided feedback via My Say Transport on the various consultation pieces over the last couple of months. You have assisted in informing work that ranged from changes to operating conditions, through to planned amendments to WAHVA module standards, audit report and business rules. HVS Statistics On an ad-hoc basis we receive requests to provide statistics relating to our business activities. We’ve put together the table below which provides readers with a comparison to the April - June figures. Review on Customer Personas We’re reviewing our Customer Personas, that were established in 2017, and may need your help in the upcoming months to make sure we're on the right track. The personas represent the different customer segments or types that Main Roads communicates with. Understanding our customer segments has been critical in the delivery of a number of digital experience initiatives over the past four years including the website. As part of this overall process HVS will seek your feedback through various channels including our workshop and information sessions and an online survey. Please have your say if you get the chance. Your feedback will help us deliver services, initiatives and communications that meet your needs now, and into the future.HVS Workshops and Information Sessions Since the last edition, we’ve held HVS Workshops and Information sessions in Port Hedland and Broome and have the last one for the year, in Perth. Thanks again to those of you that have taken the time to come along and participate. As a result of feedback from these workshops, we have 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 developing new Orders to replace the basic Period Permits. Independent session facilitator, Joey Armenti, said ‘There has been some really strong participation and really good ideas coming forward and the feedback from people attending has been very positive.’ We are currently looking at developing next year’s series of workshops. You can register your interest for the next series of HVS workshops and information sessions via this form, email or call the Heavy Vehicle Helpdesk on 138 486. Changes to Operating Conditions Driven by feedback received during our Industry Workshop and Information Sessions held across the state, the following operating conditions have been updated:Single Trip OSOM Vehicle Standard Operating Conditions Class 1 RAV Oversize Period Permit Operating Conditions Special Purpose Vehicle Standard Operating ConditionsThank you to those who took the time and opportunity to offer feedback about the proposed changes, via the My Say Transport website. The comments received have been considered and where appropriate, incorporated into these changes.Administration of WAHVA Certification Process We administer the Western Australian Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (WAHVA). To maintain the integrity of the WAHVA scheme, external independent auditors conduct audits on accredited operators systems. These auditors were certified by an external agency, Exemplar Global, for a number of years. In September 2021, Main Roads took on the training and certification of WAHVA Auditors. Those who wish to retain their WAHVA Auditor Certification, will have until 31 March 2022 to transition to the MRWA certification and training. Further information is available on our website. #BiggerThanYou Safety Campaign After the success of our award-winning #BiggerThanYou campaign, we recently hit the market again, this time focussing on what road users should do when approaching large, slow moving agricultural machinery. Feedback from industry and local farmers is, quite simply, that there are too many near misses due to driver inattention, driver frustration or road users not driving to the conditions.With harvest season commencing, and bumper crops due to the record wet winter, the new, agriculturally focussed campaign, provides a timely reminder to slow down, be patient and stay safe. Launched in January 2021, the #BiggerThanYou education campaign has helped increase awareness of Restricted Access Vehicles (RAVs), including Over Size Over Mass (OSOM) loads, travelling on the road network. The first run of the campaign highlighted how to safely interact with RAVs that are much wider, longer and slower than your average vehicle, while also explaining the roles of Traffic Escort Wardens and Heavy Vehicle Pilots. Led by television and radio advertisements which aired on metropolitan, regional and catch-up television, and supported by an extensive social media campaign, #BiggerThanYou was well received by the public, and industry, and was awarded this year's WA Rural Media Award for Best Communications Campaign. Post-campaign research indicated that the campaign conveyed clear, key messages and that the communications were engaging, memorable and well liked. More importantly, more than half the post-campaign survey participants said that they took action - by changing their driver behaviour and speaking to family and friends about how to safely pass a road train or OSOM vehicle - as a result of the campaign. Round two of the campaign is on our television screens and radio stations now, with billboards also in place on some key driving routes out of Perth. To download the campaign materials or find out more, go to our website. HMMS Donations top $248K for charity An initiative we began in 2012, and developed together with CBH Group, the Harvest Mass Management Scheme (HMMS) seeks to reduce the frequency of overloaded grain trucks during harvest. Under the HMMS, growers can forfeit grain from their overloaded trucks which is then sold and the funds provided to Western Australian charities nominated by growers and CBH employees. During the 2020-21 season, $263,230 was raised from the grain sales which has been donated to 17 charities. The scheme provided charities and community organisations with valuable funding, with more than $1.8 million distributed since the scheme started. Show Time in the Regions We attended the Dowerin Field Days alongside some of our Main Roads colleagues and the Department of Transport Marine Safety. The event drew large crowds this year, with the Main Roads stand attracting a record number of visitors. Our Transport Inspectors fielded questions from visiting truck drivers and farmers and assisted them with issues. The main discussion topic was the impact on the road network of the winter rains throughout the regions. The overwhelming sentiment was people would rather have the rain, bumper crops and damage to the road, than no rain and no crops. Our 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. We also had representatives at this year’s Kununurra Agriculture Show, Newdegate Machinery Field Days and the Perth Boat Show as part of the Maritime and Roads Information Hub. HVS Updates Released HVS Update 18-2021 Kimberley Region - Great Northern Highway, Ord River - Notice of Permanent Closure of Parking Bay HVS Update 17A-2021 Registrations Closed – Heavy Vehicle Services Industry Workshop & Information Session - Metropolitan Region HVS Update 16-2021 Notice of Removal from the RAV Networks - Ellen Brook Road within the Shire Of Augusta-Margaret River HVS Update 15-2021 Bridge #1228 Ravenswood Bridge on Pinjarra Road HVS Update 14-2021 Clarification on certain conditions within the Oversize Operating Conditions HVS Update 13-2021 Great Eastern Highway – Ongoing Permit Access for A-Double 36.5 Metre Combinations on Greenmount Hill HVS Update 12-2021 Changes to Operating Conditions
MRWA July 2021 Newsletter
on 2021-07-21 04:41:16
by
Donna
Posted in
MRWA - INDUSTRY NEWSLETTERS
Click here for the July Newsletter
MRWA MAY 2021 Newsletter
on 2021-06-20 07:43:33
by
Donna
Posted in
MRWA - INDUSTRY NEWSLETTERS
Industry Newsletter May 2021 Welcome to the second edition of our newsletter for 2021. Fires, floods and COVID-19 lockdowns saw us through the first few busy months of the year. We also had a state election, ran our #BiggerThanYou education campaign and marked a year since the global pandemic hit our shores. No doubt about it, this year is set to be another exciting and eventful one. In this edition, you will find information on:the new AMMS Operating Conditionsour upcoming HVS Industry workshop / information sessionshow to subscribe to Great Eastern Highway Bypass Interchanges Project updates and HVS communications issued between January – May, as well as some interesting statistics from our operations. HVS STATISTICSOn an ad-hoc basis we receive requests to provide statistics relating to our business activities. We’ve put together the table below which provides readers with a comparison to the last quarters figures.ACCREDITED MASS MANAGEMENT SCHEME (AMMS)In March, new AMMS Operating Conditions were developed and streamlined to provide clarity on the requirements and greater flexibility to AMMS operators.Some of the changes to the AMMS permits include:Consistency and more flexibility with approved vehicle combinations throughout all AMMS levelsThere is no longer a requirement to identify the specific vehicle category on the permit. Instead, the transport operator simply pays for the maximum modified mass (mass in excess of statutory limits) they require and they can use any vehicle combination within that modified mass limit identified in the relevant AMMS Operating ConditionsThe different AMMS Level axle group mass limits can be mixed, provided the axle groups loaded to the lesser AMMS Level are at the rear of the vehicle combination.All new / renewed AMMS permits will be issued subject to the new AMMS Operating Conditions. Existing AMMS permits are still valid until they expire. Please visit the Accredited Mass Management Scheme (AMMS) webpage for more information.ROAD TRAIN ASSEMBLY AREAS (RTAA)As we continue to receive complaints that some operators are leaving trucks, trailers and equipment parked in RTAAs for extended periods of time we remind industry of the following:RTAAs are not to be used as depots and excessive stays should be reported to HVS.RTAAs are primarily for the breakdown and assembly of Restricted Access Vehicles (RAVs) that do not have the appropriate access to the network.RTAAs are not to be used as transport yards or for the garaging of equipment.Vehicles should not be left in RTAAs more than 24 hours.With regards to the Forrestfield RTAA, operators are reminded that companies with yards on Abernethy Road or in close proximity to it should not be using the RTAA, and no light vehicles are to be parked within it. Vehicles must not block the path required for access by oversize loads through the RTAA. We are investigating the potential for installing lockable bollards across both ends of the oversize crossover to prevent parking in that zone. We are also developing a Traffic Management Plan for the Forrestfield site, including the enhancement of signage.We are liaising with other agencies to establish a management order over the RTAA to allow a wider range of options to be taken against vehicles parked contrary to the terms of use. In the meantime operators can advise us of any issues by emailing hvs@mainroads.wa.gov.au or calling 138 486.WAHVA AUDITORS CONFERENCEAt the end of March, we conducted a Western Australian Heavy Vehicle Accreditation (WAHVA) certified Auditor Conference. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a number of auditors could not attend however; we will make the documents and information sessions available on line. The conference discussed proposed changes to the Accreditation Modules, Audit and Auditor training and certification. We are proposing to streamline the modules and audit process by removing all the repetitive elements and placing them into one Common Standards Module. We are reviewing the training and certification process for WAHVA Auditors. We are also proposing to take responsibility for the training and certification of Auditors. Feedback from attendees was that a benefit of holding the conference was it allowed for ‘good discussions and healthy collaboration’ and they appreciated the ‘ability to listen to all questions and have answers in real time’. The auditors who attended the conference provided valuable feedback, suggestions to enhance and general support for, the proposed changes.HVS INDUSTRY WORKSHOP SESSIONSThank you to those of you that have attended our workshop sessions. So far, we’ve held sessions in Narrogin, Bunbury, Geraldton, Northam and the Metropolitan Region. Session Facilitator, Joey Armenti, says ‘It has been good to see the interest growing from people within the industry coming to these sessions. They are proving to be a very valuable way for people in the industry to have an open, respectful and constructive conversation with Main Roads HVS to try to improve things for everyone’.The objective of these workshops is to provide us with an opportunity to develop closer relationships with you to ensure the release of new products or policy changes better reflect your needs. It also allows us to share updates on industry related information or upcoming projects.The sessions take the form of an interactive workshop in which issues are discussed between small groups. The focus of discussion is ‘what can we do together to make this work better?’ Topics include WA Heavy Vehicle Accreditation, Compliance, Permits, Access, and Department of Transport matters. Participants are encouraged to raise concerns, issues and potential solutions.Over the next six months, we’ll be holding further industry sessions in Albany, Kalgoorlie, Kununurra, Port Hedland and Broome. Places are limited. if you want to attend, please email hvs@mainroads.wa.gov.au or call the Heavy Vehicle Helpdesk on 138 486.GREAT EASTERN HIGHWAY BYPASS INTERCHANGES PROJECTThe Great Eastern Highway Bypass Interchanges (GEHBI) Project will make the movement of freight around Hazelmere, High Wycombe, Midland and Bellevue safer and more efficient.The project includes new interchanges on Great Eastern Highway Bypass at Roe Highway and Abernethy Road, improvements to Abernethy Road south of the Bypass and the extension of Lloyd Street over Helena River into Midland. Construction is on track to begin around the end of the year and run through to 2024. To keep up to date on the status of this project, please register here for updates. IN CASE YOU MISSED ITBigger Than You CampaignAccredited Mass Management Scheme (AMMS) HVS Updates ReleasedHVS Update 5-2021Use of Road Train Assembly AreasHVS Update 3-2021Removal of Rockingham Road, Phoenix Road and Forrest Road from Restricted Access Vehicle Networks in the City of Cockburn.HVS Update 1-2021Change to Oversize Road Train and B Double Period Permit Operating Conditions – 4.9 metre permitted load height carrying oversize huts.If you wish to receive these directly to your mailbox simply sign up or update your subscription options, using the following 'Subscriptions' Instructions.