Road Train Signage Trial – Western Australia

Above left: PBS Road Train signs; Above: Standard Road Train signs

Road Train Signage Trial

Main Roads Heavy Vehicle Services (HVS) is trialling new road train warning signs that provide road users with a better visual indication of what type of vehicle is actually in front of them. This safety initiative is designed to help road users make more informed decisions about how they share the road with, and overtake, road trains.

The existing “Long Vehicle” and “Road Train” warning signs are vague in terms of what type of vehicle is actually in front of you. The new signage being trialled will replace them and provide an illustrative example of the vehicle combination, and operators will pay for their own signage.

Information about the trial will be posted to social media and our website. Feedback is welcome via our survey available on the trial page on My Say Transport or via the QR Code below. We’re particularly interested in feedback from the general public to see if the signs are more informative and meaningful.

If the trial is successful, HVS will implement the new signage for all Class 2 and 3 Restricted Access Vehicles (RAVs) in Western Australia, including B-doubles, road trains and rigid truck and trailer combinations. HVS will also liaise with the

The new signage being trialled will provide an illustrative example of the vehicle combination, and an indication of the length of the vehicle combination it is fitted to

an indication of the length of the vehicle combination it is fitted to. The signs also align to the “road train route” signs that are often seen on regional highways.

A suite of signs have been developed to cover the standard 27.5 metre, 36.5 metre, and 53.5 metre combinations, as well as Performance Based Standards (PBS) Scheme 30 metre, 32 metre and 42 metre combinations. A special sign is already in use for 60 metre PBS road trains.

Centurion Transport and Qube Bulk will participate in the trial by fitting the signs to some of their vehicles. Other operators are welcome to participate in the trial and require an approval letter from HVS. All National Heavy Vehicle Regulator to share the feedback received and encourage them to adopt the same signage.

It’s important to note that interstate operators will not be disadvantaged or penalised. HVS will continue to recognise and accept “Long Vehicle” and “Road Train” warning signage requirements specified in other jurisdictions when RAVs travel across the border into Western Australia. For further information, visit the trial page on the My Say Transport website or contact the HVS Help Desk on 138 486.

Expanding Main Roads’ HVS Transport Inspectorate and Traffic Escort Wardens

In August 2022 HVS expanded its Transport Inspectorate to welcome an additional eight full-time employees as on-road Transport Inspectors.

The Inspectors joined on-road duties in September, bringing the total to 16, along with two coordinators.

The number of full-time Traffic Escort Wardens also increased by eight in August, with an additional two Senior Traffic Escort Wardens. This brings the total to 30 Traffic Escort Wardens and three Senior Traffic Escort Wardens