In response to significant opposition from the trucking industry, the Western Australian Government has decided to revise its plans to mandate new signage for heavy vehicles. Initially set to replace the traditional 'long vehicle' or 'road train' signs with ones displaying the vehicle's length in metres-and its equivalent in car lengths-the new regulations were set to take effect on January 1, 2025. However, following intense industry feedback, the plans have been scaled back.
The Heavy Vehicle Road Signage Reference Group (HVRSRG), which was tasked with reviewing the proposed changes, has now decided that mandatory signage will not be introduced. Instead, transport operators will have the option to choose between the existing 'Long Vehicle' and 'Road Train' signs or new graphic signs that display the vehicle's length (e.g., 27.5m, 36.5m, or 53.5m).
The Decision to Keep It Optional
The revised plan means that no new compulsory signs will be required for vehicles over 22 metres in length. Operators can still use the familiar 'Long Vehicle' or 'Road Train' warnings, while also having the choice to incorporate the new graphic signs for additional clarity. The committee acknowledged that while the new signs could enhance road safety by providing clearer information to other motorists-helping them decide whether it's safe to overtake-implementation costs and practical challenges for operators played a significant role in the decision.
The trucking industry had expressed strong concerns about the financial and logistical burdens that would come with the new signage. The need for multiple signs, especially when drivers change trailer combinations and vehicle lengths, was seen as a significant hurdle for transport operators. With many companies managing large fleets, the cost of retrofitting trucks with new signage was estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Potential Safety Benefits of New Signage
While the new signs will not be mandatory, the committee emphasized that they could still be a useful tool for improving road safety. The graphic signs were designed to visually communicate the size of the vehicle using car-length comparisons, allowing other road users to better gauge the risks involved in overtaking a road train or long vehicle. The hope was that this additional information would foster safer decision-making and better awareness of these large vehicles on the road.
Main Roads WA had conducted a trial of the new signage system during 2022 and 2023 on regional roads. The feedback from the trial was overwhelmingly positive, with around 90% of respondents expressing support for the idea. Many motorists, especially those traveling long distances, viewed the new signage as a useful way to understand the dimensions of road trains, which can often exceed 50 metres in length.
Industry and Public Reaction
The decision to make the new signage optional has sparked mixed reactions. While some motorists-particularly "grey nomads"-welcomed the idea of clearer road signage, others in the trucking industry remain wary. Jo F, a contributor to the Grey Nomads website, praised the initiative, stating that it would help drivers make more informed decisions about overtaking road trains, while also increasing general awareness of truck sizes. "These signs will give vehicles following information about the type of transport in front of them and give them the opportunity to decide whether it's safe to pass," Jo said.
However, not all feedback was in favour of the new system. Concerns about the practicality of mandatory signage were raised, particularly regarding passing lanes. As Johnno, another commenter, pointed out, it would also be helpful if passing lanes had clear indicators of their length, as some are notably short, adding further complexity to overtaking decisions.
Looking Ahead: A Balanced Approach
Ultimately, the WA Government's decision to scale back the proposed regulations reflects the need for a balanced approach that considers both road safety and the practical realities of the transport industry. While the new signage may have offered potential safety benefits, the implementation challenges highlighted by the trucking sector were significant enough to prompt a revision of the original plan.
For now, the new signage will remain optional, giving operators the choice to adopt the clearer graphic signs if they wish. It remains to be seen whether other states will follow WA's lead in exploring new ways to improve road safety, but the conversation around road train signage is likely to continue as part of the broader discussion about safer road-sharing practices.
