Initial results of metro road train tests satisfactory

2/4/93

Transport Minister Eric Charlton said today he was pleased with the initial findings of technical tests into bringing large combination vehicles along designated routes in the outer metropolitan area.

This week's test runs of the vehicles along pre-determined routes under police escort were completed smoothly and without incident.

The tests were designed to evaluate turning efficiencies of the vehicles, their effects on traffic flow and whether roads or controlled intersections would need modification should further trials be undertaken.

Each test run was video taped by Main Roads which will evaluate the information it has collected and report to the Minister in a few weeks.

"I am pleased with the initial results, particularly with the second route into Midland saleyards and the one into Kewdale freight terminal," Mr Charlton said.

"I will await the report from the Main Roads working party and then have Main Road initiate discussion with local authorities, industry and other interest groups before deciding whether to proceed with controlled trials.

"I personally attended two of the tests and saw nothing in the way of traffic disruption or safety hazards associated with these vehicles."

Mr Charlton again criticised the Opposition for its misinformation campaign on the issue.

"Throughout this debate, the Opposition has loosely referred to road trains being allowed into the city, and specifically on William Street and Nicholson Road in Kelmscott," he said.

"These routes are not on the agenda, and the Opposition knows it. However, it continues to peddle this story in order to incite fear.

"The roads we have chosen for these tests, perhaps with some modification, are capable of carrying large combination vehicles safely and efficiently.

"If that happens, we will see lower transport costs which will benefit producers and consumers and less heavy haulage trucks on our roads resulting in less damage to our roads.

"I ask people to judge the issue on the evidence to be presented by these technical tests and not on emotion as the Opposition would have them do."

Media contact: Dean Roberts 222 9595