On Monday, June 8, the Heavy Vehicle Services (HVS) team within Main Roads Western Australia announced consultation on a new draft roll coupling policy for the state.
The policy aims to improve heavy vehicle safety and reduce rollover crashes by mandating roll coupling for trailers used in Restricted Access Vehicle (RAV) configurations.
‘Roll coupling’ refers to the roll behaviour of connected truck, trailer and dolly units in a heavy vehicle combination.
If adjacent units are connected such that they roll together, as in the case of fifth wheel or ball-race connections, then they are said to be ‘roll coupled’ units. If units can roll independently of each other, as in the case of pin and drawbar connections, then they are not regarded as ‘roll coupled’ units.
If implemented, the policy would apply to all vehicle units built after January 1, 2028, used in any RAV configuration, operating on any route.
HVIA understands that it would not apply retrospectively to vehicles built prior, nor would it apply to Performance Based Standards (PBS) vehicles.
Nonetheless, the policy has implications for all trailer and dolly manufacturers supplying equipment to be used in non-PBS vehicles in Western Australia.
HVIA will prepare a submission on behalf of members and encourages members to contact HVIA Chief Technical Officer Adam Ritzinger at a.ritzinger@hvia.asn.au to discuss and provide feedback.
HVIA also strongly recommends that members visit the HVS policy website, download and read the draft documents, and register to attend the information webinar on Wednesday, June 17, using the links below.
> Main Roads webinar policy website
> Webinar registration
Submissions are due by Friday, July 3. HVIA will aim to provide a draft response to members after the public webinar, on Friday, June 19.
HVIA’s submission will be guided by member feedback. HVIA understands that it has the option of seeking an extension from HVS, and potentially, a second webinar to address HVIA member concerns, if the volume of feedback and matters raised necessitates it.