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Automated vehicles
The Western Australian Department of Transport (DoT) is working to make automated, connected and related vehicle technologies available in our state, to improve safety, improve liveability and increase productivity.
Safety
- Safe vehicles.
- Safe roads.
- Safe citizens.
Liveability
- More convenient, accessible transport.
- Cleaner, people-focussed cities.
Productivity
- Industry growth, innovation and job creation.
- Transport and freight efficiency.
Western Australia is trialling vehicles
State and local governments have worked closely with trial applicants to facilitate trials of automated vehicles on our roads. Two trials are ongoing, and there are likely to be further trials in the near future.
Currently, legislation in Western Australia does not allow vehicles without a driver in full control on our roads. However, for limited and controlled use we can grant a vehicle an exemption from certain vehicle standards requirements and/or conditions. Anybody intending to conduct a trial in WA will require a permit from the Department of Transport for each automated vehicle (AV) being trialled.
Image: RAC Intellibus.
Conducting an Automated Vehicle Trial in Western Australia
Contact the DoT to discuss your proposal
The WA trial guidelines and associated process map (please see below) have been developed to assist applicants who are seeking to trial automated vehicle technology here. The guidelines are based upon the National Transport Commission Guidelines for trials of Automated Vehicle in Australia.
The DoT will refer to the guidelines when assessing AV trial applications, with the following elements of a trial outlined in the document to assist organisations with developing their proposal:
- AV trial planning;
- Importation of the AV;
- AV testing (off-road);
- The AV trial application;
- AV trial (on road); and
- Trial Evaluation
Early engagement with DoT will provide an opportunity to understand how we can facilitate your proposal and for DoT to outline what steps would be required to obtain approval. For example, the nature and location of the proposed trial may necessitate consultation with stakeholders outside of DoT such as Local Government.
You can contact the Department of Transport when you are ready to progress your trial proposal or would like to discuss the trial process further.
Legislation that may be applicable
Additionally, you may need to consider other legislative provisions relating to occupational safety and health, consumer protection, and environmental issues, depending on the nature of the AV trial.
Western Australia is working with other Australian Governments to prepare for automated vehicles.
Australia wide there is work underway to ensure that automated vehicles can operate easily and safely and be used across State boundaries. Western Australia is actively involved in this work, to ensure the national recommendations are appropriate for our state.
The National Transport Commission is considering the vehicle standards and safety concerns in order to develop nationally consistent safety legislation. For more information visit the National Transport Commission Automated vehicles in Australia website.
Austroads, the association of road authorities, is looking at the operational and road use questions for the introduction of these new technologies. For more information see: Austroads Connected and Automated Vehicles website.
| Austroads: Connected and Automated Vehicles | ||
|---|---|---|
| National Transport Commission: Automated vehicles in Australia | ||