Excess load damages roads
Cases of noncompliance keep popping up even though LTA, Fiji Roads Authority and other stakeholders consistently creating awareness on the issue
The Land Transport Authority is reiterating that road hauliers must comply with the law after 182 vehicles were booked for overloading in the first quarter of 2016.
The authority is disappointed to note that cases of non-compliance keep popping up even though LTA, Fiji Roads Authority and other stakeholders have been consistently creating awareness on this issue over the past years. A total of 11 vehicles were booked for carrying an excess load of more than 20 tonnes of which one truck was overloaded by 34 tonnes. 25 vehicles were caught carrying an excess load of over 15 tonnes and 25 trucks were booked for carrying an excess load of more than 10 tonnes.
LTA chief executive officer Naisa Tuinaceva said excess loading was causing the deterioration of the road system and can also have an adverse effect on road safety. “The consequences of carrying excess load can be deadly as not only does it reduce the lifespan of roads and vehicles, but it also reduces the effectiveness of brakes and suspension, resulting in a significant impairment of the driver’s ability to brake and steer properly, which puts the driver and other road users at risk,” Mr Tuinaceva said. He said overloaded vehicles are unstable especially at corners and roundabouts and overtaking also takes longer, and this was quite risky for road users. LTA booked 155 overloaded vehicles in the Central Eastern region while 27 hauliers copped fines in the Northern region in the first quarter.
Altogether, the authority inspected 459 vehicles in 15 different locations in both regions. He said overloading is costing the Fijian Government millions of dollars annually on road maintenance which was separate from the construction of new roads and other capital works.
“Around $50 to $60 million is spent on our roads annually for extra maintenance and renewal purposes – this is a huge and valuable amount that could be useful elsewhere,” he said.
Excess load is considered an offence under the LTA Act and the regulated minimum fine is $1,000 per tonne. However, fines may increase depending on the capacity of the vehicle and the load it is carrying. The authority will conduct excess load operations throughout the year.
LTA booked 155 overloaded vehicles in the Central Eastern region Fines may increase depending on the capacity of the vehicle and the load it is carrying