With record-breaking rain closing roads and throwing the supply chain into chaos, the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) is calling for the temporary relaxation of laws pertaining to vehicle lengths.
Both SA and WA have been hit hard with heavy rainfall.
“Trucks trying to reach Darwin from SA have been forced to take a 1650km detour each way and this could continue for weeks until the water goes back down,” said the ATA in a statement.
“This situation raises the issue about NSW’s requirement to break 53.5 metre loads back to B-double.”
The ATA is calling for the temporary relaxation of the Heavy Vehicle National Legislation in a bid to increase the number of 53.5 metre trucks from Adelaide to Bourke.
“The flooding in WA is compounding the issues for the industry which is already grappling with the Covid requirements to get into the state,” the ATA added.