Hey Guys
http://www.moth.asn.au/moth/2009/04/01/new-towing-rules-for-nsw-roads/New towing rules for NSW roads
The NSW Department of Main Roads will be implementing a new policy on “Maximum Trafficable Lane Widths” to take effect from 1st July 2009. In essence all vehicles and trailers (including load) must fall within a 2.1 metre square (i.e 2.1m wide x 2.1m high). Any vehicle or trailer outside these dimensions will have special conditions placed on their movements.
From the NSW DMR press release:
“The old Australian lane width of 7’6” was an arbitrary figure that dates back to early 1800’s. It originated from Apple growers in Eastwood who used 7′6″ wide wagons to transport apple crates 6 abreast. We have been systematically reviewing all our antiquated standards and updating them to reflect the motoring needs of today”
Unfortunately this impacts on the Moth Class, as the current International Moth maximum beam measurement (2.250m) falls outside the new 2.1m limit. We contacted Ian Morgan from NSW DMR and he advised us that under the new changes the only legal way to tow something like an International Moth on NSW roads would be with a ”Wide Vehicle Escort” or “Pilot Car”. We would also have to display a “wide vehicle” sign on the rear most extremity of the trailing load. He also added that ALL the Toll Road Operators will be reducing the widths of their toll booths and only ONE “wide vehicle” booth will be available. The Government has also given approval for the Toll Road Operators to “substantially increase” tolls for vehicles outside the 2.1m width.
IMCA NSW sees the disassembling of wing frames each week for towing purposes as extremely impractical, and has the potential to severely affect the health of the class.
As a result the NSW Executive Committee will be putting forward a proposal at the upcoming World AGM to reduce the International Moth maximum beam width to 2.1m.
Due to the fact that these new road rules will be slowly phased in across the whole of Australia through the later part of 2009, we hope to have the new 2.1m max beam width implemented within the class by the 2010 Australian Championships.
For more information please contact your local Moth representative.
