Mining projects in Western Australia are facing long delays and extra costs due to a shortage of pilot vehicles.
Heavy haulage companies in the area are reporting waiting times of up to three months to move oversize loads which require pilot vehicles, The West Australian reports.
Wardens escort trucks with loads wider than 5.5m and/or longer than 40m.
Mining and construction projects in the area have seen a sudden increase in demand for pilot vehicles.
Three big iron ore projects planned by Fortescue Metals Group, BHP and Rio Tinto next year are also set to increase demand.
Government agency pilot vehicle operator Main Roads WA says it is receiving up to 15 requests per day and needs to employ another six drivers to cope with the rise in demand, The West Australian reports.
Increasing oversize vehicle convoys from two to three, reviewing booking systems and scheduling, upskilling transport inspectors for warden duties and adding extra vehicles to the pilot fleet are measures underway to tackle the problem, a Roads WA spokesperson says.
