Trial of reduced restrictions on hay carting announced

11/7/03
A trial of reduced restrictions on hay carting has been approved by the State Government.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan today said Main Roads WA would trial for 12 months a new policy which would enable transport operators with drop-deck trailers to cart larger loads and lessen restrictions on cartage times.
Ms MacTiernan said the trial followed approaches by industry and a proposal submitted to Government by the Hay and Straw Industry Working Group.
The restrictions were introduced because of concerns about the stability of vehicles carrying greater loads.
"The new limits will allow operators to carry a maximum load size of 4.6m high and 2.7m wide," Ms MacTiernan said.
"This will enable transporters to carry the large bales of hay loaded three bales high and two bales wide.
"Previously, they were restricted to carrying bales arranged two-high and two-wide to comply with the normal dimension limits of 4.3m high and 2.5m wide, unless overwidth and/or over-height permits were obtained from Main Roads.
"Vehicles with the new wider loads, which were previously restricted to daylight hours, will also now be able to cart hay at all hours on country roads and in the city except during peak times.
"In response to the new trial policy, the industry has committed to ensuring that operators adhere to improved work practices, to ensure road safety is not compromised in any way."
Ms MacTiernan said the export hay market earned up to $100million each year, with a further $50million generated through the sale of pellets for lot feeders and live sheep exports.
"As a consequence in recent years, there has been significant growth in hay carting," she said.
"With predictions of up to 700,000 bales being produced in the coming year for both the domestic and export markets, the new policy will deliver major commercial benefits and efficiencies to this sector - but we must ensure safety is not compromised."
Minister's Office - 9213 6400