Launch of new Load Restraint Guide

21/4/04
Vehicles carrying unsafe loads will come under the spotlight with the launch today of the revamped Load Restraint Guide.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said load restraint had serious implications for road safety including:

• occupational safety for the driver while loading and unloading;
• public and environmental safety, in terms of the carriage of dangerous goods; and
• lost productivity in terms of time and economic loss from traffic disruptions and congestion.

Ms MacTiernan said common offences seen on Western Australian roads include untarped loads, palletised goods - such as limestone blocks on flat top trailers - with no gates or cage and goods not strapped to the pallet or the vehicle.
A second edition of the guide had been printed following consultation with the road transport industry.
"Here in WA, Government and industry have worked in partnership to pursue the common goal of improving road transport safety," the Minister said.
"The Load Restraint Guide is an important resource put together with a view to reducing road fatalities, injuries and traffic congestion.
"The road transport industry is a critical part of WA's economy and contributes enormously to the quality of life the people of the State enjoy.
"Its major task of freight transport is expected to grow by some 75 per cent over the next 10 years, remaining the dominant mode in non-bulk and urban freight transport.
"The network is shared by all kinds of road users including commuters, tourists, public transport, school buses and freight vehicles, so it is important to ensure there is maximum safety on our roads.

"For the sake of our transport operators and other road users we have to get safety right."
The department formally introduced the performance standards published in the guide in November 2002, when the Road Traffic Vehicle Standards Regulations 2002 were implemented.
While industry has been informed of the new standards, the publication of this new guide provides an excellent opportunity to remind people of the requirements.
Meanwhile, the State Government is set to adopt, within existing laws, the key principles of the national 'chain of responsibility' provisions.
"In areas of load restraint, mass and dimensions and dangerous goods, there will be an improved ability to target those who have control and who are allowing unsafe practices to take place," Ms MacTiernan said.
"This is only a threat to those who seek to place drivers and community infrastructure under unsafe and unnecessary duress.
"Some sectors of the industry will need to consider their role in the transport chain more seriously.
"Anybody - not just the driver - who has control in a transport operation can be held responsible for breaches of road law and can be made legally liable.
"Experience suggests this approach, where people higher up the ladder are made responsible for their actions, is the key to improving safety across the industry."
Minister's office: 9213 6400