en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Western Australian government has extended two road train trial programs to December 31, 2026, allowing longer and heavier road trains to use parts of the state's road network during this period.

The extended trial permits include two components: 53.5-meter triple road trains can operate on the Great Northern Highway between Wubin and Muchea; and road trains measuring 27.5 meters and 36.5 meters can carry up to an additional 10 tonnes per trip when transporting petrol, diesel, fertilizer, lime, lime sand, milk, and bulk perishable goods.

Both trials were initially launched in April this year, originally in response to fuel supply challenges. Among them, the 53.5-meter triple road train trial aims to ensure freight transport between Perth (Perth) and the Wheatbelt (Wheatbelt), Murchison (Murchison), Goldfields (Goldfields), Pilbara (Pilbara), and Kimberley (Kimberley) regions. The trial was originally scheduled to run for three months, but following positive industry feedback and ongoing monitoring and evaluation, a decision was made to extend it.

Safety requirements during the trial period remain stringent, covering vehicle technical standards and minimum driver experience requirements.

Western Australian Transport Minister Rita Saffioti (Rita Saffioti) stated that the road train trial on the Wubin to Muchea section has moved more freight with fewer trips, improving productivity and fuel efficiency. Continuing to allow road trains to carry more fuel, fertilizer, lime, lime sand, milk, and bulk perishable goods will also provide support for regional communities and related industries.

Saffioti noted that Western Australia's freight industry plays a critical role in keeping the economy running and ensuring the supply of goods to communities across the state. This extension provides certainty for operators and continues to unlock productivity benefits for the freight network. The government will continue to work with industry to explore viable ways to improve freight efficiency and strengthen supply chains, keeping Western Australia's economy running robustly.