PILOT VEHICLES CARRYING LOADS
AND REAR PILOTS STEERING FLOATS

In recent weeks, reports have been made to Main Roads and the Police that some pilots have been carrying loads, and some rear pilots have been leaving their vehicles to steer floats as part of normal transport operations of oversize loads.

With regard to the carrying of loads by pilot vehicles, it is noted that Clause 4.3 of the Class 1 Restricted Access Vehicles Period Oversize Permit Operator Conditions requires that:

“A pilot vehicle must not tow a trailer or carry a load, but it may carry tools, equipment or substances for use in connection with the RAV that it is accompanying or for restraining the load on that vehicle.”

The meaning of this condition is clear.  Only items needed to repair or maintain the oversize vehicle itself, or to restrain the load, can be carried by a pilot vehicle.  Example of such items would include tools, spare parts, lubricants and chains.  Any items associated with the load cannot be carried by a pilot vehicle.

Action will be taken against both the transport operator and the pilot in question when this requirement is breached.  Further, the oversize vehicle may have to be parked-up until the transport operator sources a compliant pilot vehicle.

With regard to rear pilots steering floats, Main Roads is of the view that while a pilot is undertaking this task he cannot be undertaking the duties required of a pilot.  The transport operator is therefore operating in breach of his permit conditions and, therefore, action will be taken against both the transport operator and the pilot should this be proven.

Mark Walker
Director Heavy Vehicle Operations
23 November 2006