Road train speed limit to revert to old level

4/6/93

The maximum speed limit for road trains on established Western Australian road train routes will revert immediately to the old level of 100 kilometres per hour.

Transport Minister Eric Charlton said all road train maximum operating speeds in the State were set at 90 KPH on Friday, May 28, with the lifting of restrictions on the types of commodities carried by road trains.

"This condition was also implemented as a safety measure in the interests of other users of Great Eastern Highway, where road trains commenced operations between Coolgardie and Northam recently," Mr Charlton said.

"However, I accept argument from the industry in the North and other areas of the State where road trains previously operated safely at speeds of 100 KPH."

Mr Charlton said all road train routes, with the exception of two, would have a maximum operating speed of 100 KPH pending further discussion with the industry on the issue.

The maximum operating speed for road trains on Great Eastern Highway would remain at 90 KPH and on Albany Highway it would remain at 95 KPH.

The Minister said all operating speeds would be kept under review.

"The whole community - from road train operators through to users and consumers - stand to gain from the increased use of these very efficient vehicles," he said.

"It is not the Government's intention to make life difficult for road train operators, but the issue of operating speeds must be considered in the interests of all road users."

Media contact: Dean Roberts 321 7333/222 9595