❓ A WA parliamentary question addresses traffic frequency on Bussell Highway, promised safety measures for farmers crossing livestock, and liability in case of accidents. The response details traffic data, denies specific promises, outlines potential safety improvements, and clarifies legal responsibilities.
AnsweredQoN 1342Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
(b) what is the traffic frequency on this section of Bussell Highway at present and what is the projected figure for 2010; (c) is it true that, as an interim measure, Main Roads Western Australia had promised to provide flashing warning lights and extra signage to at least one of these farmers; (d) when will Main Roads Western Australia provide flashing lights and signage as promised; (e) when will underpasses be provided to these farmers; and (f) who is legally responsible for damages caused by a traffic accident between these farmers' cows and a motor vehicle?
(c) is it true that, as an interim measure, Main Roads Western Australia had promised to provide flashing warning lights and extra signage to at least one of these farmers; (d) when will Main Roads Western Australia provide flashing lights and signage as promised; (e) when will underpasses be provided to these farmers; and (f) who is legally responsible for damages caused by a traffic accident between these farmers' cows and a motor vehicle?
(d) when will Main Roads Western Australia provide flashing lights and signage as promised; (e) when will underpasses be provided to these farmers; and (f) who is legally responsible for damages caused by a traffic accident between these farmers' cows and a motor vehicle?
(e) when will underpasses be provided to these farmers; and (f) who is legally responsible for damages caused by a traffic accident between these farmers' cows and a motor vehicle?
(f) who is legally responsible for damages caused by a traffic accident between these farmers' cows and a motor vehicle?
(b). Traffic counting carried out in November 2001 indicates that the average annual daily traffic on this section of the Bussell Highway is in the order of 3300 vehicles per day. This is expected to increase to approxiamately 5500 vehicles per day by 2010 if a growth rate of 6% per annum is maintained. (c). Main Roads has not undertaken to provide flashing warning lights and extra signage to any of the farmers on Bussell Highway near Cowaramup. Main Roads is in the process of investigating alternative treatments to improve stock crossings other than the provision of costly stock underpasses. Possible options include installation of advance warning flashing lights and improved signage, information that has been provided to a local farmer and the local press. (d). On the Bussell Highway near Cowaramup, farmers have reported that it is becoming increasingly difficult to cross the Highway with stock under present arrangements, due to the increased volume of traffic. It is anticipated that improvements will be implemented in consultation with the farmers once the improved alternative treatment has been identified and conditions of installation and use agreed with the farmers in question. (e). Main Roads does not have a policy on the provision of stock underpasses on existing roads however when an existing road is upgraded, stock underpasses are sometimes provided when funds are available and there is value for money in providing the underpass. Provision of stock underpasses on this section of the highway is being considered when the road is upgraded in the next 5 to 10 years. (f). Under the WA Road Traffic Code, it is permissible for a person to drive stock across or along a road, as long as all reasonable precaution in taken to warn approaching traffic of the presence of stock. As the authority for erection of signs, Main Roads has provided recommendations on the appropriate level of signing to warn traffic of stock being driven across the road. Who is legally responsible for damage caused by a traffic accident between a farmer's cow and a motor vehicle will depend on the circumstances, but costs will be generally be the responsibility of the party at fault.
(c). Main Roads has not undertaken to provide flashing warning lights and extra signage to any of the farmers on Bussell Highway near Cowaramup. Main Roads is in the process of investigating alternative treatments to improve stock crossings other than the provision of costly stock underpasses. Possible options include installation of advance warning flashing lights and improved signage, information that has been provided to a local farmer and the local press. (d). On the Bussell Highway near Cowaramup, farmers have reported that it is becoming increasingly difficult to cross the Highway with stock under present arrangements, due to the increased volume of traffic. It is anticipated that improvements will be implemented in consultation with the farmers once the improved alternative treatment has been identified and conditions of installation and use agreed with the farmers in question. (e). Main Roads does not have a policy on the provision of stock underpasses on existing roads however when an existing road is upgraded, stock underpasses are sometimes provided when funds are available and there is value for money in providing the underpass. Provision of stock underpasses on this section of the highway is being considered when the road is upgraded in the next 5 to 10 years. (f). Under the WA Road Traffic Code, it is permissible for a person to drive stock across or along a road, as long as all reasonable precaution in taken to warn approaching traffic of the presence of stock. As the authority for erection of signs, Main Roads has provided recommendations on the appropriate level of signing to warn traffic of stock being driven across the road. Who is legally responsible for damage caused by a traffic accident between a farmer's cow and a motor vehicle will depend on the circumstances, but costs will be generally be the responsibility of the party at fault.
(d). On the Bussell Highway near Cowaramup, farmers have reported that it is becoming increasingly difficult to cross the Highway with stock under present arrangements, due to the increased volume of traffic. It is anticipated that improvements will be implemented in consultation with the farmers once the improved alternative treatment has been identified and conditions of installation and use agreed with the farmers in question. (e). Main Roads does not have a policy on the provision of stock underpasses on existing roads however when an existing road is upgraded, stock underpasses are sometimes provided when funds are available and there is value for money in providing the underpass. Provision of stock underpasses on this section of the highway is being considered when the road is upgraded in the next 5 to 10 years. (f). Under the WA Road Traffic Code, it is permissible for a person to drive stock across or along a road, as long as all reasonable precaution in taken to warn approaching traffic of the presence of stock. As the authority for erection of signs, Main Roads has provided recommendations on the appropriate level of signing to warn traffic of stock being driven across the road. Who is legally responsible for damage caused by a traffic accident between a farmer's cow and a motor vehicle will depend on the circumstances, but costs will be generally be the responsibility of the party at fault.
(e). Main Roads does not have a policy on the provision of stock underpasses on existing roads however when an existing road is upgraded, stock underpasses are sometimes provided when funds are available and there is value for money in providing the underpass. Provision of stock underpasses on this section of the highway is being considered when the road is upgraded in the next 5 to 10 years. (f). Under the WA Road Traffic Code, it is permissible for a person to drive stock across or along a road, as long as all reasonable precaution in taken to warn approaching traffic of the presence of stock. As the authority for erection of signs, Main Roads has provided recommendations on the appropriate level of signing to warn traffic of stock being driven across the road. Who is legally responsible for damage caused by a traffic accident between a farmer's cow and a motor vehicle will depend on the circumstances, but costs will be generally be the responsibility of the party at fault.
(f). Under the WA Road Traffic Code, it is permissible for a person to drive stock across or along a road, as long as all reasonable precaution in taken to warn approaching traffic of the presence of stock. As the authority for erection of signs, Main Roads has provided recommendations on the appropriate level of signing to warn traffic of stock being driven across the road. Who is legally responsible for damage caused by a traffic accident between a farmer's cow and a motor vehicle will depend on the circumstances, but costs will be generally be the responsibility of the party at fault.
(c) is it true that, as an interim measure, Main Roads Western Australia had promised to provide flashing warning lights and extra signage to at least one of these farmers; (d) when will Main Roads Western Australia provide flashing lights and signage as promised; (e) when will underpasses be provided to these farmers; and (f) who is legally responsible for damages caused by a traffic accident between these farmers' cows and a motor vehicle?
(d) when will Main Roads Western Australia provide flashing lights and signage as promised; (e) when will underpasses be provided to these farmers; and (f) who is legally responsible for damages caused by a traffic accident between these farmers' cows and a motor vehicle?
(e) when will underpasses be provided to these farmers; and (f) who is legally responsible for damages caused by a traffic accident between these farmers' cows and a motor vehicle?
(f) who is legally responsible for damages caused by a traffic accident between these farmers' cows and a motor vehicle?
(b). Traffic counting carried out in November 2001 indicates that the average annual daily traffic on this section of the Bussell Highway is in the order of 3300 vehicles per day. This is expected to increase to approxiamately 5500 vehicles per day by 2010 if a growth rate of 6% per annum is maintained. (c). Main Roads has not undertaken to provide flashing warning lights and extra signage to any of the farmers on Bussell Highway near Cowaramup. Main Roads is in the process of investigating alternative treatments to improve stock crossings other than the provision of costly stock underpasses. Possible options include installation of advance warning flashing lights and improved signage, information that has been provided to a local farmer and the local press. (d). On the Bussell Highway near Cowaramup, farmers have reported that it is becoming increasingly difficult to cross the Highway with stock under present arrangements, due to the increased volume of traffic. It is anticipated that improvements will be implemented in consultation with the farmers once the improved alternative treatment has been identified and conditions of installation and use agreed with the farmers in question. (e). Main Roads does not have a policy on the provision of stock underpasses on existing roads however when an existing road is upgraded, stock underpasses are sometimes provided when funds are available and there is value for money in providing the underpass. Provision of stock underpasses on this section of the highway is being considered when the road is upgraded in the next 5 to 10 years. (f). Under the WA Road Traffic Code, it is permissible for a person to drive stock across or along a road, as long as all reasonable precaution in taken to warn approaching traffic of the presence of stock. As the authority for erection of signs, Main Roads has provided recommendations on the appropriate level of signing to warn traffic of stock being driven across the road. Who is legally responsible for damage caused by a traffic accident between a farmer's cow and a motor vehicle will depend on the circumstances, but costs will be generally be the responsibility of the party at fault.
(c). Main Roads has not undertaken to provide flashing warning lights and extra signage to any of the farmers on Bussell Highway near Cowaramup. Main Roads is in the process of investigating alternative treatments to improve stock crossings other than the provision of costly stock underpasses. Possible options include installation of advance warning flashing lights and improved signage, information that has been provided to a local farmer and the local press. (d). On the Bussell Highway near Cowaramup, farmers have reported that it is becoming increasingly difficult to cross the Highway with stock under present arrangements, due to the increased volume of traffic. It is anticipated that improvements will be implemented in consultation with the farmers once the improved alternative treatment has been identified and conditions of installation and use agreed with the farmers in question. (e). Main Roads does not have a policy on the provision of stock underpasses on existing roads however when an existing road is upgraded, stock underpasses are sometimes provided when funds are available and there is value for money in providing the underpass. Provision of stock underpasses on this section of the highway is being considered when the road is upgraded in the next 5 to 10 years. (f). Under the WA Road Traffic Code, it is permissible for a person to drive stock across or along a road, as long as all reasonable precaution in taken to warn approaching traffic of the presence of stock. As the authority for erection of signs, Main Roads has provided recommendations on the appropriate level of signing to warn traffic of stock being driven across the road. Who is legally responsible for damage caused by a traffic accident between a farmer's cow and a motor vehicle will depend on the circumstances, but costs will be generally be the responsibility of the party at fault.
(d). On the Bussell Highway near Cowaramup, farmers have reported that it is becoming increasingly difficult to cross the Highway with stock under present arrangements, due to the increased volume of traffic. It is anticipated that improvements will be implemented in consultation with the farmers once the improved alternative treatment has been identified and conditions of installation and use agreed with the farmers in question. (e). Main Roads does not have a policy on the provision of stock underpasses on existing roads however when an existing road is upgraded, stock underpasses are sometimes provided when funds are available and there is value for money in providing the underpass. Provision of stock underpasses on this section of the highway is being considered when the road is upgraded in the next 5 to 10 years. (f). Under the WA Road Traffic Code, it is permissible for a person to drive stock across or along a road, as long as all reasonable precaution in taken to warn approaching traffic of the presence of stock. As the authority for erection of signs, Main Roads has provided recommendations on the appropriate level of signing to warn traffic of stock being driven across the road. Who is legally responsible for damage caused by a traffic accident between a farmer's cow and a motor vehicle will depend on the circumstances, but costs will be generally be the responsibility of the party at fault.
(e). Main Roads does not have a policy on the provision of stock underpasses on existing roads however when an existing road is upgraded, stock underpasses are sometimes provided when funds are available and there is value for money in providing the underpass. Provision of stock underpasses on this section of the highway is being considered when the road is upgraded in the next 5 to 10 years. (f). Under the WA Road Traffic Code, it is permissible for a person to drive stock across or along a road, as long as all reasonable precaution in taken to warn approaching traffic of the presence of stock. As the authority for erection of signs, Main Roads has provided recommendations on the appropriate level of signing to warn traffic of stock being driven across the road. Who is legally responsible for damage caused by a traffic accident between a farmer's cow and a motor vehicle will depend on the circumstances, but costs will be generally be the responsibility of the party at fault.
(f). Under the WA Road Traffic Code, it is permissible for a person to drive stock across or along a road, as long as all reasonable precaution in taken to warn approaching traffic of the presence of stock. As the authority for erection of signs, Main Roads has provided recommendations on the appropriate level of signing to warn traffic of stock being driven across the road. Who is legally responsible for damage caused by a traffic accident between a farmer's cow and a motor vehicle will depend on the circumstances, but costs will be generally be the responsibility of the party at fault.
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
19 February 2002
Responded by
Minister for Planning and Infrastructure
Response time
69 days
(a). Main Roads does not have a policy of providing underpasses to dairy farmers when vehicle frequency passes 2500 movements per day. However, Main Roads' Draft Guidelines for Design of Stock Crossings state that under certain circumstances it may not be advisable to allow the movement of stock on the road where traffic volumes on the section of road exceed 2500 vehicles per day.
(b). Traffic counting carried out in November 2001 indicates that the average annual daily traffic on this section of the Bussell Highway is in the order of 3300 vehicles per day. This is expected to increase to approxiamately 5500 vehicles per day by 2010 if a growth rate of 6% per annum is maintained.
(c). Main Roads has not undertaken to provide flashing warning lights and extra signage to any of the farmers on Bussell Highway near Cowaramup. Main Roads is in the process of investigating alternative treatments to improve stock crossings other than the provision of costly stock underpasses. Possible options include installation of advance warning flashing lights and improved signage, information that has been provided to a local farmer and the local press.
(d). On the Bussell Highway near Cowaramup, farmers have reported that it is becoming increasingly difficult to cross the Highway with stock under present arrangements, due to the increased volume of traffic. It is anticipated that improvements will be implemented in consultation with the farmers once the improved alternative treatment has been identified and conditions of installation and use agreed with the farmers in question.
(e). Main Roads does not have a policy on the provision of stock underpasses on existing roads however when an existing road is upgraded, stock underpasses are sometimes provided when funds are available and there is value for money in providing the underpass. Provision of stock underpasses on this section of the highway is being considered when the road is upgraded in the next 5 to 10 years.
(f). Under the WA Road Traffic Code, it is permissible for a person to drive stock across or along a road, as long as all reasonable precaution in taken to warn approaching traffic of the presence of stock. As the authority for erection of signs, Main Roads has provided recommendations on the appropriate level of signing to warn traffic of stock being driven across the road. Who is legally responsible for damage caused by a traffic accident between a farmer's cow and a motor vehicle will depend on the circumstances, but costs will be generally be the responsibility of the party at fault.
(b). Traffic counting carried out in November 2001 indicates that the average annual daily traffic on this section of the Bussell Highway is in the order of 3300 vehicles per day. This is expected to increase to approxiamately 5500 vehicles per day by 2010 if a growth rate of 6% per annum is maintained.
(c). Main Roads has not undertaken to provide flashing warning lights and extra signage to any of the farmers on Bussell Highway near Cowaramup. Main Roads is in the process of investigating alternative treatments to improve stock crossings other than the provision of costly stock underpasses. Possible options include installation of advance warning flashing lights and improved signage, information that has been provided to a local farmer and the local press.
(d). On the Bussell Highway near Cowaramup, farmers have reported that it is becoming increasingly difficult to cross the Highway with stock under present arrangements, due to the increased volume of traffic. It is anticipated that improvements will be implemented in consultation with the farmers once the improved alternative treatment has been identified and conditions of installation and use agreed with the farmers in question.
(e). Main Roads does not have a policy on the provision of stock underpasses on existing roads however when an existing road is upgraded, stock underpasses are sometimes provided when funds are available and there is value for money in providing the underpass. Provision of stock underpasses on this section of the highway is being considered when the road is upgraded in the next 5 to 10 years.
(f). Under the WA Road Traffic Code, it is permissible for a person to drive stock across or along a road, as long as all reasonable precaution in taken to warn approaching traffic of the presence of stock. As the authority for erection of signs, Main Roads has provided recommendations on the appropriate level of signing to warn traffic of stock being driven across the road. Who is legally responsible for damage caused by a traffic accident between a farmer's cow and a motor vehicle will depend on the circumstances, but costs will be generally be the responsibility of the party at fault.
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