Authorities Fight Overloading Issue
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has increased its operations at weighbridges, major ports, jetties and roads in order to further curb the issue of overloading on the roads.
LTA deployed a team to the Northern Division to carry out operations along Wainikoro, Nabouwalu and Savusavu Highways.
Additionally, two teams have been deployed to the Western Division and Central Division to carry out 24/7 operations at the weighbridge and as well as at the major ports and jetties and cover areas.
While LTA is working with its key stakeholders to eradicate the issue of overloading, it is also continuously creating awareness and education on the same.
LTA is reiterating that all heavy vehicle owners must ensure that their vehicles are not overloaded however, it must be in compliance with the Land Transport Act 1998.
In the first quarter of 2018, a total of 187 Traffic Infringement Notices (TINs) were issued for overloading.
According to the LTA statistics for the first quarter of this year, 10-wheeler trucks were issued the highest number of TINs at 41 per cent followed by 12-wheeler trucks at 30 per cent and six-wheeler trucks at 24 per cent.
LTA also conducted show-cause for 16 companies that were found to be habitual offenders.
These companies were issued written warnings not to re-offend or they may face suspension of registration for their trucks.
To curb the increasing overloading issues to allow maintenance of road infrastructure and developments in areas such as Nadi, Suva, Savusavu, Labasa and other areas, LTA will further enforce the compliance of the Land Transport Act 1998, through its operations.
Fiji has made its mark in progressing towards achieving a healthier economic growth and this however, demands an adequate transport infrastructure.
Unfortunately, overloaded vehicles are destroying our roads and impacting negatively on economic growth as the cost of damage to infrastructure caused by these vehicles grow exponentially. Therefore, the LTA is embarking towards further nurturing the progress of the country by ensuring enforcement of traffic laws and regulations.