WA Changes Signage Requirements to indicate Road Train Length

15 Jul Blog

Beginning 1 July, Western Australia will pioneer new pictorial length signage on road trains to enhance road safety. This initiative aims to provide clearer visual cues to other road users, helping them better gauge the length of the road trains in front of them. By knowing the size of these vehicles, drivers can make safer overtaking decisions and improve overall road safety.

The new signage, which will replace the existing ‘ROAD TRAIN’ or ‘LONG VEHICLE’ signs, will be displayed on the rear of restricted access vehicles, including road trains and other heavy vehicles. These signs will indicate the number of trailers and the total length of the vehicle, depicted as an equivalent number of car lengths. This visual representation offers more precise information, aiding in safer road sharing.

Tested by Main Roads on regional roads during 2022 and 2023, the trial received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with about 90% of respondents supporting the new signage. While Western Australia is the first state to implement this type of signage, interest has been expressed by other interstate road authorities. The WA transport industry will have a six-month transition period from 1 July 2024 to comply with the new regulatory signs, ensuring a smooth changeover to this improved safety system.

Learn more here:

• https://www.mainroads.wa.gov.au/heavy-vehicles/compliance-enforcement/signage-requirements/
• https://www.mainroads.wa.gov.au/about-main-roads/news-media/new-safety-signage-for-road-trains-begins-july-1/