Following discussions with agriculutral industry representatives, the state government has lifted a curfew on oversized truck movement on select roads.
The state government has revised rules around the movement of oversize agricultural vehicles, a move they said ensured that the industry could operate efficiently during its busy seeding and harvest periods.
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 WA's two busiest holiday seasons.
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 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 and South Western Highway.
In association with the review of the movement of agricultural vehicles, Main Roads WA has developed an Agricultural Combinations Order that will reduce the level of red tape for the agricultural industry
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the changes mean farmers only need to obtain a permit when an over-mass agricultural combination is required to cross a bridge.
"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," she said.
"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."
Agricultural Region MLC Darren West said the changes would benefit residents in his area.
"The Minister has listened to the concerns of farmers and the outdated curfew rules now reflect the requirements of today's farmers as well as other road users," he said.
"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."
