WA Changes Road Rules to Complement other States’ Laws

Western Australian road rules will change as of April 27, to come more in line with laws of other states.

WA Road Transport Association (WARTA) has warned its members to get ready for updated road regulations which come into effect next month. The new laws will better complement the laws of other states, according to WARTA CEO, Ian King.

Chain of Responsibility (COR) laws in WA are going to come into effect from April 27 together with a new directive on the types of material used to restrain open loads on flatbed trailers. Once the new rules comes into effect, only approved webbing and certified ropes will be allowed, preventing loose loads on all vehicles.

Mr King has welcomed the reforms which he said were well overdue. A post on Fullyloaded.com.au quoted Mr King who stated:

“Gone are the days where you can tie off a piece of rope and 100 metres down the road it’s a loose load,”

Read more at: http://www.fullyloaded.com.au

Transport operators in the state are expected to be most concerned with Chain of Responsibility provisions, which will also affect their customers.

Mr King stressed the importance of operators implementing firm procedures and documentation to ensure compliance. He said that all members of the supply chain can protect themselves and other road users with these strong procedures. He went on to emphasize,

“Make sure that [the] processes are in place to protect your business; and educate your staff,” he advises.

Read more at: http://www.fullyloaded.com.au

According to reports, not all WA transporters are pleased with the new road regulations. Some of those concerned are WA Pastoralists and Graziers Association president Tony Seabrook . Mr Seabrook is concerned that the changes will come with additional levels of bureaucracy and risk to farmers and their families. He went on to state:

“Chain of responsibility ropes everyone in. There is so much red tape involved in this,” he says.

“[It] brings people into the system that are going to have to spend a lot of money putting other people in place to make sure the wrong thing doesn’t happen.”

Read more at: http://www.fullyloaded.com.au

While there aren’t a lot of new responsibilities for drivers themselves, the new rules mean more people will be responsible along the supply chain.

According to WA authorities these new regulations are aimed at

• Improving road safety

• Reducing damage to infrastructure

• Improving deterrence and enforcement;

• Promoting a more “level playing field” for industry;

• Improving efficiency and road safety compliance for businesses

On its website Main Roads Australia explained:

If you are involved in any of the following ‘road transport activities’, you are a party in the ‘chain of responsibility’ and may be deemed liable in the event of a breach of the road laws:

• Consigning – a person or company commissioning the carrying of goods

• Packing – placing goods in packages, containers or pallets

• Loading – placing or restraining the load of the vehicle

• Driving – the physical act of driving a vehicle

• Operating/Managing – operating a business which controls the use of a vehicle

• Receiving – paying for the goods/taking possession of the load