Be Oversize Wise
Heavy Vehicle Pilots, Traffic Escort Wardens and Transport Inspectors are on the road to help keep you safe around oversize vehicles and loads.
Every day across Western Australia, essential oversize and overmass (OSOM) equipment, machinery, and general freight move across our road network, providing the WA community with goods, petrol and food supplies, supporting industries from agriculture to resources, and powering our economy.
To help keep everyone safe, Heavy Vehicle Pilots, Traffic Escort Wardens, and Transport Inspectors are on the road. These trained professionals play a critical role in managing the movement of OSOM loads, guiding traffic, and enforcing transport regulations.
Their shared mission is simple:
- Protect road users
- Efficient movement of freight and OSOM loads
- Safeguard road infrastructure
Whether you're driving alongside an oversize load or approaching an OSOM convoy, knowing what to do can make all the difference. Explore the roles of these road safety professionals and learn how you can #beoversizewise.
Heavy Vehicle Pilots
Heavy Vehicle Pilots safely guide oversize loads and direct traffic on WA roads.
Heavy Vehicle Pilots travel with oversize vehicles and provide advance warning to other road users that an oversize vehicle is approaching. The number and positioning of Heavy Vehicle Pilots is dependent on the size of the load and the requirements to manage traffic safely.
Pilot Vehicles are easily recognised by a large yellow reflective sign with the words “Oversize Load Ahead” and amber flashing warning lights mounted on the roof. Pilot Vehicles which are escorting loads more than 4.5 metres in width will also display white flashing lights on the front of the lead vehicle.
Pilots help to facilitate the safe movement of oversize vehicles across the state. Their responsibilities include:
- Directing traffic within the vicinity of the oversize vehicle.
- Using signals and directions such as signs, flashing lights, hand signals and verbal instructions on UHF channel 40 to communicate with traffic.
- Ensuring the safety of surrounding road users when travelling with oversize vehicles.
What drivers should know and do:
- Stay alert – Look out for Pilot Vehicles with signs and lights and listen out for any directions provided on UHF channel 40.
- Follow directions – legally you must follow any directions given by Pilots.
- Slow down, give space and be patient – Pilots are trying to keep you and everyone else on the road safe.
Traffic Escort Wardens
Traffic Escort Wardens escort high-risk oversize loads safely and securely on WA roads.
Traffic Escort Wardens accompany high-risk, oversize overmass (OSOM) vehicles throughout Western Australia, when the dimensions of the OSOM vehicle and its load exceed 5.5 metres in width and/or 40 metres in length.
Traffic Escort Vehicles have red and blue flashing lights on the roof, “Traffic Escort” displayed on both sides of the vehicle and usually have a sign on the roof identifying them as an oversize escort or giving a direction to move left. Traffic Escort Wardens ensure high risk OSOM vehicles move safely along the State’s road network. Their responsibilities include:
- Preparing a journey management plan.
- Submitting a Green Light Corridor request if required, allowing traffic signals to be remotely managed for safe passage through metropolitan areas.
- Conducting pre-movement safety and compliance checks in line with permit requirements.
- Controlling and directing traffic throughout OSOM vehicle movements.
- Completing daily reports, vehicle logs and other administrative paperwork related to OSOM movements.
What drivers should know and do:
- Stay alert – Look out for Traffic Escort Vehicles and listen out for any directions provided on UHF channel 40, if you see one, it means a really big load is ahead.
- Follow directions – legally you must follow any directions given by Traffic Escort Wardens.
- Slow down, prepare to stop and be patient – Traffic Escorts are trying to keep you and everyone else on the road safe.
Transport Inspectors
Transport Inspectors help to keep unsafe loads off WA roads.
Transport Inspectors check vehicles for safety and compliance, inspecting not only trucks, but also caravans, trailers, and cars. Their vehicles are equipped with magenta flashing lights, making them easy to identify on the road.
Inspectors ensure that all vehicles meet legal requirements and that loads are secure. Their responsibilities include:
- Inspecting heavy vehicles for compliance with load security, vehicle mass and dimensions limits and roadworthiness.
- Acting on public reports of unsafe vehicles and loads.
- Enforcing regulations for trailers, caravans, and roof loads.
- Taking action when vehicles pose a safety risk.
- Providing education and guidance to drivers and operators to promote compliance, safe towing and responsible transport behaviour.
What drivers should know and do:
- Secure your load – loose items can become deadly hazards.
- Comply with limits – check your vehicle’s weight and dimensions.
- Follow directions – if pulled over, cooperate with Inspectors.
Transport Inspectors also act on public reports of unsafe loads. By staying compliant and reporting concerns, you help keep WA roads safe for everyone.
