Agricultural towing regulations changes to benefit farmers

Transport Minister Simon O'Brien said today that changes to regulations governing the towing of agricultural machinery would provide farmers more flexibility and productivity.

"After years of fruitless pleading to the previous government, the farming community has found the Liberal-National Government responsive to sensible requests," Mr O'Brien said.

The changes to the regulations, contained under the Road Traffic (Towed Agricultural Implements) Regulations 1995, have been gazetted.

The new rules allow farmers to tow licensed vehicles, such as small fuel trailers and motor vehicles under A-frame towing, in agricultural combinations.

"The changes are designed to give farmers more flexibility in towing equipment and should bring about greater efficiency and cost savings," the Minister said.

"It is another example where this Government's red tape reform agenda is removing unnecessary rules that impede people's ability to get on with their job.

"These changes emerged from the Agricultural Vehicle Advisory Committee (AVAC), which I established to work through and accommodate where possible, requests from the farming sector on transport operational matters."

AVAC includes representatives from WA Farmers' Federation, Farming Machinery Dealers' Association, Motor Trades' Association, WA Local Government Association, WA Police, Western Power, Main Roads WA and the Department of Transport.