Agency overview | |
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Formed | 1 January 1930 |
Preceding agency |
|
Jurisdiction | Government of Western Australia |
Headquarters | Don Aitken Centre |
Employees | 1,237 (2021) |
Annual budget | $2.2 billion (2020/21) |
Minister responsible | |
Agency executive |
|
Parent agency | Department of Transport |
Website | mainroads.wa.gov.au |
Main Roads Western Australia (formerly the Main Roads Department) is a statutory authority[1] of the Government of Western Australia that is responsible for implementing the state's policies on road access and main roads. It operates under the Main Roads Act 1930 (WA).[2]
As at June 2021, it manages 18,695 kilometres (11,617 mi) of roads, representing the arterial road network in Western Australia.[3] Each of the roads must be declared a "public highway" or "main road" in the Western Australian Government Gazette and is allocated a highway or main road number – many roads perceived as main roads by the public are in fact managed by local councils.
Main Roads Western Australia also regulates heavy vehicles through the issue of permits and notices under the authority granted to the Commissioner of Main Roads under the Road Traffic Act 1974. The Road Transport Compliance Section, a section within the Department, employs Transport Inspectors who, alongside police officers, monitor heavy vehicle movement and enforce the Road Traffic Act 1974.