Main Roads investigate unsecure loads in the Mid West Gascoyne district after numerous reports of damage

Main Roads has reminded heavy haulage transport operators to secure their loads and for road users to report loose debris from trucks after reports of vehicles being damaged. It held several operations last year to monitor the issue in the Mid West and Gascoyne district after reports of damaged windscreens and vehicles. One incident was in May 2022 when a “tennis ball-sized” rock flew into 47-year-old Fleur Thompson’s Toyota Landcruiser along the Geraldton-Mt Magnet Road. Ms Thompson said the impact caused her windscreen to shatter. Shire of Murchison president Ross Foulkes-Taylor raised the issue of iron ore spillage on roads at the WALGA meeting in March 2022. Cr Foulkes-Taylor told the Geraldton Guardian the damage was occurring on rural roads with heavy traffic and the issue needed to be addressed. “These trucks are starting from places such as Wiluna and Mt Magnet, heading to Geraldton. Iron ore is causing damage to cars after 700km of travelling,” he said. Main Roads said there were three reports in 2021 of unsecured loads in the Mid-West/Gascoyne region and two reports of damaged vehicles. Last year 10 planned operations and patrols were held by Main Roads heavy vehicle services (HVS) compliance inspectors in the region. A Main Roads spokesperson said the agency was aware of reports concerning spillage and loose debris from haulage trucks in the region and HVS investigators and auditors held additional inquiries as a result. “HVS continuously works with the transport industry to remind them of their responsibilities and in line with this would like to remind all registered operators about the requirement to properly control their loads,” they said. Unsecured loads can result in fines of up to $1000. Loose debris or unsecured loads can be reported to Main Roads HVS on 13 84 86 or heavyvehicleintel@mainroads.wa.gov.au. Important details include operator name or registration plate number, location, direction of travel, time and date.