RESTRICTIONS on moving agricultural machinery on public roads at night are under scrutiny and SA farmer input is needed.
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Primary Producers SA and the Ag Bureau of SA are seeking feedback through an online survey on three options for night travel exemptions in the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure’s Zone 3 (Adelaide Hills) and Zone 4 (country SA).
“Because of the requirement for grain harvesting to be carried out at night, the proposal is to extend a night travel exemption to all agricultural machines and combinations,” PPSA chairman Rob Kerin said.
“At present, the only oversize ag machines allowed to travel on public roads at night are grape harvesters and canola windrowers.”
The three options include: 1. A night travel exemption for agricultural machines and combinations at 3.7 metres wide and 19m long (zone 3) or 4m wide and 22m long (zone 4); 2. A night travel exemption for machines/combinations up to 3.7m wide and 25m long in both zones; or 3. Maintain the status quo until the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator reviews all exemptions across Australia.
“The aim is to modernise regulations to better reflect modern machinery without impacting public safety,” he said. The call for comment is part of the PPSA-initiated 90-day Transport Project, which started in 2014 when producers were asked to identify transport hotspots and regulatory issues in SA. These hotspots and issues are being addressed in consultation with farmers.
- Details: 08 8297 2299 or www.ruralconnect.com.au