Published on Thursday, 7 November 2019 at 12:36:43 PM

The State Government has revised rules around the movement of oversize agricultural vehicles, ensuring that the industry can operate efficiently during its busy seeding and harvest periods.

To ensure the safety of tourist traffic - for the past 15 years a curfew has applied to oversized vehicles over the Easter and Christmas periods - preventing them from moving across the State's road network during Western Australia's two busiest holiday seasons.

Following discussions with agricultural industry representatives, the curfew has been lifted

on all except Perth metropolitan roads and 11 major regional transport routes.. The curfew will only apply to agricultural vehicles above 5.5 metres in width.

The curfew for oversize agricultural vehicles now only applies to the following roads:

• All roads within the metropolitan area
• Albany Highway
• Brand Highway
• Brookton Highway
• Bussell Highway
• Forrest Highway
• Indian Ocean Drive
• Muir Highway
• North West Coastal Highway (Geraldton to Kalbarri turn-off)
• Northampton Kalbarri Road
• South Coast Highway
• South Western Highway

In association with the review of the movement of agricultural vehicles, Main Roads Western Australia has developed an Agricultural Combinations Order that will reduce the level of red tape for the agricultural industry

The changes mean farmers only need to obtain a permit when an over-mass agricultural combination is required to cross a bridge.

Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"These changes have come about after I asked Main Roads to review the curfews applying to the movement of agricultural vehicles following operational concerns raised by the industry.

"Primarily, the curfews restricted industry operations during seeding over the Easter period and at the other end of the season at harvest time which can extend through Christmas and New Year.

"I thank agricultural industry representative groups for their positive contribution in the development of these practical solutions for the safe movement of agricultural vehicles and equipment."

Comments attributed to Agricultural Region MLC Darren West:

"The Minister has listened to the concerns of farmers and the outdated curfew rules now reflect the requirements of today's farmers as well as other road users.

"The revised curfew balances the essential movement of agricultural equipment during the industry's busiest periods, while ensuring the safety of other road users on known tourist routes.

"On behalf of all farmers, I thank Minister Saffioti for taking action on this important issue."

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