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Welcome to the latest Heavy Vehicle Services industry newsletter. Designed to keep you updated, our newsletter provides an easy to read and brief round up of HVS news from the preceding quarter.

Before we jump into the newsletter we would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the key role in moving freight, and providing essential services and goods to the Western Australian and wider community that you all play. 

You may have seen us at various events this quarter including the Dowerin Field Days and the Perth Boat Show.  If you see us at one of these events, we encourage you to come and speak to us on anything heavy vehicle related. 

In this issue we cover whats been happening in the last quarter including:

• our participation in the inaugural Camp Quality for Kids Convoy
• info our our new visitor management system
• a HV Pilot Licence Reference Group update
• release of Bridge Video Supervision instructional videos.

With the Christmas / New Year Curfew approaching, Industry is encouraged to confirm traffic escort services bookings for December and January, and to submit the associated permit applications.

Further, the HVS reception will be closed from midday on 15 December 2023 (only). On 15 December 2023 should you have an enquiry between midday and 5 pm contact can be made via 138 486 or hvs@mainroads.wa.gov.au. 

We hope you enjoy this edition of the HVS Industry Newsletter, please encourage others to sign up to receive their own copy. For further information on anything included in this newsletter, or to give us your comments and suggestions for what you would like included in future editions contact the Heavy Vehicle Helpdesk at hvs@mainroads.wa.gov.au. 

Camp Quality Convoy for Kids

The inaugural​​ Camp Quality Convoy for Kids was recently held, raising money and awareness for children with cancer.  On 8 October, the convoy departed Perth Hockey Stadium and travelled 54 kms around Perth, before returning to the stadium for more fun and activities for all. 

Originally, the target was to raise $60,000 and register around 40-50 trucks. However, the WA transport industry doesn’t do anything small, raising a total of $191,239 with 135 trucks travelling in the convoy! The highest fundraising team raised more than $15,000.

Main Roads led the convoy with Heavy Vehicle Services (HVS) Senior Traffic Escort Warden Matt Harston escorting the whopping 135 trucks safely through Perth. HVS Transport Inspectors Brad Wakefield and Jock Duthie also participated, driving the Compliance Unit's command vehicle and a Transport Inspector vehicle.

The event was the first in Perth’s history and if this is anything to go by, participation and support from the Transport Industry will ensure the ongoing success of the fundraiser.

 Congratulations to the organisers on a terrific outcome! 

Project Highlight - Fitzroy River Bridge

The New Fitzroy River Bridge will open to all traffic by the end of 2023, more than six months ahead of schedule. This early opening will provide assurance to the local community and freight industry ahead of the next wet season. This significant milestone will reconnect East and West Kimberley, supporting freight and tourism operators in the region.

Construction of the New Fitzroy River Bridge project is progressing at a rapid rate with the entire bridge deck now installed. Works are now underway on the deck surfacing and safety barriers, as well as road construction works on both bridge approaches. Main Roads will continue to keep the local community and freight industry updated on the progress of the works.

Further information

For more information about the project:

• Chat to the team in the Old Café in Fitzroy Crossing

• Visit the Main Roads project page: mainroads.wa.gov.au/new-fitzroy-river-bridge

• Email enquiries@mainroads.wa.gov.au or

• Call 138 138

New HVS Visitor Management System

The next time you visit the HVS office, you’ll notice that our reception has gone digital. We implemented an automated 'sign in' system to streamline the way we interact with our customers. 

The new system is aimed at providing a more effective approach to the traditional pen and paper sign in sheet on the front counter, assigning an ID visitor badge available from the kiosk printer easily identifying guests.

It also enables the pre-registering of guests by HVS staff and is easy to navigate with clear instructions next to the sign in kiosk. As with all new systems, we appreciate your first time using the sign in kiosk may be daunting. Remember, HVS staff are here to assist, and we look forward to seeing you when you next visit.

Heavy Vehicle Industry Workshop and Information sessions

We have two more remaining HVS Industry Workshops, as part of the state-wide 2023 series of sessions in Northam and Albany.

The format and general outline of each information session will be as follows: 

• Regional Update - Presentation from the Main Roads Regional Office on heavy vehicle related matters and / or relevant infrastructure project(s)
• Information session relating to a HVS product or service - see topics below.
• Interactive Workshop – focus on what functionality attendees would like in a customer portal
• One-on-One with HVS Staff – attendees can meet with HVS representatives from Access, WA Heavy Vehicle Accreditation, Compliance, OSOM moves and permits.

There is an option to attend online or in person, noting that online attendees will have access to the Regional Update and the Information Session portion (up to 1 Hour) only.

The region, dates and information session topics are:

Please note: the HVS Industry Information Session 2023 schedule may change dependant on registration numbers.  Places are limited.  To register for one of these sessions, please click on the button below.

New Wubin RTAA Ablution Block

A new ablution block opened earlier this month, comprised of four toilets and four separate shower cubicles. The existing block, containing two combined toilet and shower facilities will become designated as female only use and unisex accessible use.

The new block at Wubin was delivered under the Freight Vehicle Productivity Improvement Program (FVPIP) and complements other facilities that have (or are being) delivered at heavy vehicle rest areas on key heavy transport routes across the State.

Mobile Phone Coverage at Heavy Vehicle Rest Areas

Our Main Roads Network Management Branch and Telstra are working together towards improving access to the mobile phone network in rural Western Australia. 

Gathering this information will help support implementing better services to ensure the personal safety of heavy vehicle drivers when out on the road and at heavy vehicle rest areas across the State.

As part of our research we reached out to freight industry representatives and regions. At the end of September we ran a survey to help identify which heavy vehicle rest areas to prioritise and target first.

The survey closed on October 11 and called on respondents experiences in regard to mobile phone service coverage at the various Heavy Vehicle Rest Areas. Thank you for your support, if you took the time to provide feedback.

Permit FAQ Series - Bridge Video Supervision

At the end of September, we released a series of Bridge Video Supervision (BVS) instructional videos, that were commissioned by the Main Roads Structures Engineering Branch. The videos have been produced for industry to illustrate the required positioning for overmass vehicles when crossing various bridge types e.g. single lane, divided carriageway, under BVS conditions.

There are also several bridge specific videos that illustrate the required positioning for overmass vehicles when crossing the bridge, under specific BVS conditions e.g. central movement required in the direction of travel only, with the exclusion of traffic in the direction of travel.

Transport operators are reminded that they must check their issued permits, prior to leaving, to ensure all drivers are aware of any bridge(s) where BVS conditions apply and appropriate auditable records for each crossing are kept.

To ensure bridge infrastructure is protected, it is vital that overmass vehicles crossing bridges under BVS conditions comply with all the requirements.

Links to the new videos are available under the Bridge Video Supervision section on the Oversize Overmass (OSOM) page on our website and they can be accessed directly via the Main Roads Western Australia YouTube channel.

Roll-coupled BA-Triple Combination now allowed under the 36.5 metre Roelands Hill Permit

In October, HVS announced that following independent assessment, the BA-Triple combination (Category 7B) fitted with a roll-coupled drawbar coupling connection can operate under the 36.5m Roelands Hill Permit.

Previously,  the BA-Triple combination was excluded from this higher risk access, due to poorer stability performance when compared to the AB-Triple, resulting from the dog trailer being at the rear of the combination.

In response to requests from industry to re-consider the BA-Triple combination under this access approval, HVS commissioned an independent vehicle performance assessment to establish how the safety performance of the BA-Triple combination will improve if fitted with a roll-coupled coupling connection between the middle trailer and the rear dog trailer.

The outcomes of the assessment demonstrated the BA-triple had improved safety and stability performance over the AB-Triple when fitted with the roll-coupled drawbar coupling connection. As such, we have updated the permit conditions to allow the BA-Triple combination fitted with a roll-coupled drawbar coupling connection, with no more than ±2° of lash (maximum 4° total lash).

As part of the updated pre-permit requirements, an operator applying for the BA-Triple combination under this permit must provide video evidence showing the fitted roll-coupled drawbar coupling connecting, and written confirmation from the trailer manufacturer or coupling manufacturer that it meets the maximum lash requirements.

The updated 36.5 metre Roelands Hill Permit Eligibility & Supporting Evidence Checklist and permit application form are available on the Specific Access Permits on our website.

For further information, please contact the Heavy Vehicle Helpdesk on 138 486 or email hvs@mainroads.wa.gov.au.

Out and About with HVS

Spring is traditionally the season for community events and agricultural shows. 

Alongside our Wheatbelt Region counterparts, we recently attended the Dowerin Field Days where we met with 170 visitors to answer questions about heavy vehicle operations and upcoming road projects in the Wheatbelt.  

Visitors also got an opportunity to speak to regional representatives about issues on the road network. The Department of Transport was also represented. 

The staff handled enquiries about road conditions and maintenance, road projects and timeframes, caravans, the RAV Mapping Tool and agricultural equipment. 

We also attended the Perth Boat and Esperance Shows.

If you see us at an event or expo, come over to our stand and say hello.

We will be at the Busselton Show this weekend on the 4 November. 

Heavy Vehicle Pilot Licence Reference Group Update

Over the past 18 months the Heavy Vehicle Pilot Licence Reference Group, comprising a variety of experienced stakeholders, has met to provide feedback on key matters affecting the sector to improve the professionalism and standards within the industry. Strong progress has been made on matters including, but not limited to, training and competency assessment, the Heavy Vehicle Pilot Code of Conduct, standards and licensing.

The meeting in August will be the last for some time while HVS undertakes a review, particularly relating to pilot training standards, based on the feedback from the group. When HVS has finalised this, HVS will re-convene the Group to discuss the outcomes. Beyond this, the group may be retained as an ad hoc assembly for future instances of HVS liaison with the pilot industry.

At the meeting the Group discussed the following issues, among related matters:

• Pilot training and experience: There was further dialogue about the need for improvement across all areas of training, with an understanding that not everything needs to be taught by the training organisations as there is too much detailed information to include in the course and it is available online. It was recognised that there is a responsibility on the individual pilot to gain further training, mentoring and experience;
• Pilot fatigue management: WorkSafe advised that it is looking at both the Code of Practice for Fatigue Management for Commercial Vehicle Drivers and the Code of Practice for Working Hours. Of interest are the sleeping arrangements for pilots which impact their sleep quality. The Group discussed that managing fatigue is a requirement under the Work Health and Safety legislation and is a responsibility of businesses, agencies, employers, employees and contractor pilots, including individuals who have a duty of care to themselves.

The Group also considered items such as:

• Bollards at Military Road;
• Issues at Calingiri Truck Bay; and
• Hale Road contraflow.

Further information will be provided by Main Roads in due course.

HVS Updates Released

HVS Update 43-2023

Roll-coupled BA-Triple Combination now allowed under the 36.5 metre Roelands Hill Permit

HVS Update 41-2023

Enhancements to the Guidelines for Transporting Multiple Items on an Oversize or Over-mass Vehicle

HVS Update 40-2023

Bridge Video Supervision instructional videos now available

HVS Update 39-2023

Change to Oversize Road Train and B-Double Period Permit Operating Conditions

HVS Update 38-2023

Heavy Vehicle Pilot Licence - Medical Requirements for renewals and new licences

HVS Update 36-2023

South West Region - Shire of Collie - Notice of removal - Norm Road and Glen Road from the RAV Networks

HVS Update 35-2023

Perth Metropolitan Region - Change to network access conditions for restricted access vehicles descending Bedfordale Hill

HVS Update 31-2023

Introduction of the accredited Containerised Freight Period Permit

Subscription Reminder

From feedback received at industry workshops we've held over the years, we found people wanted more communication of changes and overall in general.

However, to receive these updates or general news to your inbox, you need to be subscribed. 

This came about as previously, a common response from Operators was they were receiving 'too much' information. So we gave you the choice to opt in or out of our communications.

HVS Updates provide information including changes to policy, public holiday opening hours, and amendments to permit products. They are also published on our website here, if you don't want to subscribe.

To sign up or update your preferences – please click this link.

Update your Contact Details

Let us know when your staff retire, change positions, new / updated email addresses or a new employee requires access / be added to your list of contacts.  To ensure we have the most up-to-date information please:

• Complete and sign the ‘Restricted Access Vehicle Operator and WA Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Registration Form’
• Email it into permit.applications@mainroads.wa.gov.au

For further information on anything included in this newsletter, contact us via  hvs@mainroads.wa.gov.au. We also want to hear from you, if you have any feedback, suggestions or topics for future editions let us know.

Main Roads Heavy Vehicle Services

525 Great Eastern Highway, Redcliffe, WA, 6104

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