Route planning requirements for OSOM vehicles

Route planning for Oversize Overmass operators is essential prior to commencing your journey, to ensure the proposed route is suitable and safe for use. For Oversize Single Trip and Class 1 Oversize Period permit holders, it is a condition of your travel.

Following discussions with industry, Main Roads Heavy Vehicle Services (HVS) has spent the last 12 months developing an audit regime, clear guidelines and a route survey template designed to assist heavy haulage operators understand and consistently meet their obligation to Route Plan.

The Oversize Vehicle Route Survey – Audit Regime provides guidance for transport operators in relation to route surveys prior to moving oversize loads.

It is a condition of permit that heavy haulage operators keep a written record of their route surveys for a minimum threemonth period, which must be provided to HVS upon request. Route Surveys can be kept in any format, as long as they are legible and contain the information required.

With the exception of high risk movements that require Transport Management Plans, a separate route survey is not required for every Oversize Vehicle movement. For example, if you have previously assessed a road for an Oversize

Vehicle there is no need to conduct a separate assessment for a similar vehicle of smaller dimensions.

HVS has also introduced the Heavy Vehicle Pilot Audit Regime to address complaints received in relation to damage caused by oversize loads, the unsafe manner in which some pilots conduct themselves and the general public failing to follow directions from licensed pilots.

Under the Heavy Vehicle Pilot Audit Regime, it is a requirement of an Oversize Permit, including a Period Permit and a Single Trip Permit, that all pilot vehicles accompanying a load in excess of 4.5 metres in width be fitted with forward facing video recording devices. The video recordings are auditable in accordance with the Audit Regime to ensure compliance and assist with identifying parties responsible for any damage to infrastructure.

Conducting thorough route surveys is essential to ensure road safety and prevent damage to the road furniture and infrastructure. Compliance with the Route Survey Audit Regime ensures minimum safety standards are met, road infrastructure damage is reduced, there is a level playing field within the industry, and transport operators have a documented risk management process.

For further information on the Route Survey Audit Regime please visit www. mainroads.wa.gov.au or call the Heavy Vehicle Helpdesk on 138 486.