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.
HVS communications issued between January – May, as well as some interesting statistics from our operations.
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 last quarters figures.
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 levels
There 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 Conditions
The 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 CONFERENCE
At 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.
Thank 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.
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.
Change to Oversize Road Train and B Double Period Permit Operating Conditions – 4.9 metre permitted load height carrying oversize huts.
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Donna