WA Gets Updated Road Regulations as of April 27
Trucking operators in Western Australia are being advised that updated road regulations will come into effect on April 27 this year.
These changing rules in the state will help WA come more in line with other states, so that its laws will better complement others around Australia.
Chain of Responsibility (COR) rules will be effective from April 27 in WA, together with a new directive on the types of material that can be used to retrain open loads on flatbed trailers.
According to the new regulation, only approved webbing and certified ropes are allowed. This is to prevent loads coming loose on vehicles.
In an article on Fullyloaded.com.au WA Road Transport Association (WARTA) CEO Ian King stated that the reform is sensible and is well over due. He went on to explain:
“Gone are the days where you can tie off a piece of rope and 100 metres down the road it’s a loose load,”
Source: http://www.fullyloaded.com.au
There are some concerns that certain transport operators in the state may have some trouble with the COR provisions. It also affects customers, which is another concern.
Mr King does however remind operators and businesses involved in the supply chain that they can protect themselves by developing strong procedures and documentation, which will also protect road users. Mr King explained:
“Make sure that [the] processes are in place to protect your business; and educate your staff,” he advises.
Source: http://www.fullyloaded.com.au
Under the Chain of Responsibility (CoR) and National Heavy Vehicle (NHVL) laws, everyone in the supply chain must take ‘reasonable steps’ to prevent driver fatigue and ensure a driver does not drive a heavy vehicle while impaired by fatigue. That means companies as well as their customers can be held responsible for dangerous work schedules.
While most in the state have welcomed the new measures, there are still some concerns.
Some of those who have concerns about the new road regulations being introduced in the state are WA Pastoralists and Graziers Association. Their president Tony Seabrook says the changes simply complicate matters by adding to bureaucracy and risking farmers’ livelihoods. He states:
“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.”
Source: http://www.fullyloaded.com.au
Click here to find out more about COR compliance.
