Truck convoy marks start of safety awareness campaign

12/11/93

Transport Minister Eric Charlton today flagged-off a convoy of trucks in East Perth to herald the start of Western Australia's first Road Transport Safety Awareness Campaign.

The 18-vehicle convoy, including a 25-metre road train, made its way through the Perth city block drawing the attention of lunchtime crowds to the campaign, which centres on an exhibition at Fremantle on Saturday and Sunday.

Mr Charlton said the convoy was representative of the 47,000 trucks which operated in WA - vehicles ranging from bulk carriers which aided the State's export industry to small rigid trucks delivering consumable food items to the corner delicatessen.

He said 133 million tonnes of freight were moved by road transport each year throughout WA.

The road transport industry employed 30,000 people, and for each job established, another three were created indirectly.

"The importance of the road transport industry cannot be overstated and the WA Road Transport Association is to be congratulated on its initiative in organising this campaign," Mr Charlton said.

The Road Transport Safety Exhibition in the Fremantle passenger terminal on Victoria Quay will feature modern and vintage vehicles and include demonstrations of driving skills plus rescue and safety exercises by the police and fire brigade.

"There is a need for everyone to share the road in a sensible and safe manner, and the campaign will emphasise safety on the road," Mr Charlton said.

"The WA Road Traffic Board is a major sponsor of the campaign as part of its goal to develop a positive community approach in relation to road safety."

The weekend exhibition, which coincides with the start of the Fremantle Festival, will be open to the public between 10 am and 6 pm Saturday, and 10 am and 5 pm Sunday.

Mr Charlton said the Fremantle City Council had indicated it would like to see the campaign become an annual event and an integral part of the festival.

"I am encouraged by indications from the Department of Transport, which helped organise the exhibition, that there is growing interest in the campaign and that it is set to become a regular event," he said.

Media contact:  Dean Roberts 321 7333