Main Roads WA has responded to complaints from truck drivers about the condition of the state’s heavy vehicle rest area toilets, particularly at Chichester Range on the Great Northern Highway.
Truckies have described the Chichester Range facilities as “disgusting” and a “disease risk”, with one driver claiming the toilet was at “high tide” for over two months despite him making a complaint to Main Roads.
A spokesperson for Main Roads told Big Rigs: “Main Roads is aware of concerns raised by members of the heavy vehicle industry, regarding the condition of ablution facilities at rest areas across the State.
“Maintenance of rest areas and ablution facilities is governed by the respective Main Roads region with maintenance programmed as part of Main Roads’ routine schedule.
“With regards to the facilities at Chichester Range, unfortunately Main Roads did not receive the complaint reportedly sent two months ago.”
Main Roads said the toilets at Chichester Range are usually inspected and cleaned on a weekly basis, however due to “misuse and vandalism” throughout December, the toilets were blocked and needed additional maintenance.
“While this was scheduled for December, cleaning was not completed due to a change in contractors and closure of the contract company over the Christmas period,” the spokesperson explained.
“The facilities were inspected on Tuesday 7 January 2025 and pumping and cleaning of the ablutions scheduled for Friday January 10, 2025.”
Main Roads regularly receives complaints regarding blockages that have been caused by vandalism – for example rags, socks or jumpers being stuffed down the toilet.
These blockages often affect the ablution pumps which, in turn, render the facility non-functional or with limited functionality until attended to by a plumber.
Of course the Main roads department shifts the blame… They should take full responsibility for the maintenance and have contingency plans in place for these type of situations… for some of us it’s our only means of toilet stop on the road but yet again the heavy vehicle driver cops it raw… Not good enough…
I totally agree with you mate. Unfortunately there are some individuals that don’t have the same hygiene habits that most of us have. If you make a mess clean it up . No one else should have to clean someone else’s mess. We might have to go back to a spot behind a tree and take the shovel with yourself and make your own private spot. Some shires do take care of the facilities and for this they need to be recognised. Unfortunately lots are now being locked up after hours so they are not damaged. Unfortunately transport operators travel all hours and calls of nature happen during the night as well as the day.
Can’t even empty bins months at a time, parking bays are a disgrace since main roads took the maintenance back over
Seriously??
Plenty of trees around !
Never used one never will!!
In my experience when contacting government departments, noting the time/date of the lodgement of said complaint, in some cases once it is lodged a confirmation email/text is provided, however perhaps not it this case. Better still a screen shot of the submission is still evidence, that could be followed up on, if not by the individual, but passed onto a platform such as this.
When you see what truck drivers do to these amenities WHY would you bother maintaining these Facilities ,not all Truck drivers are PIGS,but sooner or later there will be no Facilities because of Truck Drivers who dont wipe there crap off side walls of toilets& think not my job ,How many of you leave a mess like that in your own home,i been a truck driver for 45 yrs & truck drivers only have themselves to blame we aint all pigs but the ones who are know who they are.(SCUM).