APVDA News
WA: FEB 2025: PILOT & TRAFFIC ESCORT WARDEN NOTICE.
A Pilot is only authorised to enter an intersection controlled by
traffic lights on a green signal for their intended direction of travel, however if the traffic signal is green there would be no need to stop and the Pilot should continue through the intersection to provide sufficient warning to on-coming motorists of the following oversize load.
If the Traffic Escort Warden (TEW) directs the pilot to wait in the intersection and prepare to assist in taking control of the intersection, then this will be done in accordance with the approved traffic guidance scheme available on Main Roads Heavy Vehicles webpage.
The Pilots and Oversize / Over-mass (OSOM) drivers are advised during the pre-move toolbox meeting whether SCATS will be available (green light corridor), however in the event SCATS is not available, normal road rules will apply.
If the TEW is required to take control of an intersection, the TEW will enter on the green traffic light and exit the Traffic Escort vehicle to direct the convoy through the intersection. No one is permitted to enter an intersection on a red light unless the TEW has control of the intersection.
Any infringement’s for contravening traffic control lights are the individual Pilot or OSOM drivers responsibility if not following the directions of the TEW.
As a reminder to Pilots it is a condition of the Heavy Vehicle Pilot Code of Conduct that ‘Where a Traffic Escort Warden is also
facilitating the movement of the Over Size Over Mass (OSOM) vehicle, the Traffic Escort Warden is in control of the movement and Pilots must comply with all directions issued by that Traffic Escort Warden.
Matt Harston
Senior Traffic Escort Warden
Access Branch Heavy Vehicle Services.
20.02.2024
We recently had an Issue arise regarding Pilot’s being required to take note of all measurements recorded on the permit in WA.
A Compliance Officer asked why the Pilot had not measured Axle Widths/Spacings and other dimensions listed on the Permit.
Our Questions to Main Roads WA and their Response are attached below.
WA RED LIGHT and HVPL ANNOUNCEMENT
Jan 2024
We have been advised that authorised pilots have never had the authority to drive a vehicle through a red light in the course of their duties. This has not changed under the Main Roads Heavy Vehicle Pilot Licence scheme. As a condition of the permit, the pilot is required to be in contact with the driver of the oversize vehicle and if required, should request that the oversize vehicle be driven slowly or wait until the pilot vehicle is able to catch up. Allowing pilot vehicles to drive through a red light increases the safety risk for pilots and other road users. For known locations on the planned route where it is likely that an oversize vehicle and its pilot vehicle will not make it through a controlled intersection, an appropriate traffic escort plan should incorporate means to control or direct those relevant intersections.
Licences & Authorisation :- This is an issue based on a misconception. The HVPL is not an authorisation to drive. All pilots should be aware that it is a requirement to carry your currrent MDL when undertaking the duties of a pilot and to produce it along with the HVPL when requested. The Gazettal process has now changed and MRWA advised that previous gazettal of authorised name does not result in the continued authorisation when the HVPL licence expires.
The key point here is that there is no maximum distance prescribed between the escort and escorted load. The rear PV should always stop at red lights and the oversize load should pull over and wait if neccesary. All pilots should be aware of this.
VICROADS CERTIFIED PILOT WORKING GROUP
COMMENCED: SEPTEMBER 2023
MRWA PILOTS WORKING GROUP
In November 2021 Main Roads announced a review of the Heavy Vehicle Pilot Licence scheme. The review will consider key areas including Training & Competency Assessment, the Pilot Code of Conduct, the Introduction of Standards for Audits, and Licensing,and will seek to identify improvements to reflect the needs of the current WA environment.
To assist Heavy Vehicle Services (HVS) undertake the review, a Pilot Licence Reference Group is being established to consider significant aspects and inform decisions. To that end, HVS called for Expressions of Interest, which closed on 17 December 2021. There was keen interest, and a large number were received.
The review will be led by an independent facilitator and it is envisaged meetings are scheduled to commence in March 2022. Information about the progress of the group will be communicated via our Industry newsletter or via My Say Transport in due course.
After consideration, the following stakeholders have accepted the invitation to join the Pilot Licence Reference Group:
Name & Sector
Jack Collier Pilot
Maria King Manager
Lisa Redmond Pilot and Agent
Guydon Boyle Transport Operator Industry
Leesa Pegus Pilot and Agent
Eric Vickers Industry Association
Matt Harston Main Roads Traffic Escort Warden
George Foessel Registered Training Organisation
Michael Dean Community Representative
Western Roads Federation Industry Association