DPWH to enforce 1st phase of anti-overloading law Feb 1

The Department of Public Works and Highways will start implementing on Feb. 1 the first of a two-phase plan to enforce a law banning overloaded vehicles from major roads. DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson said the government will start enforcing the maximum allowable load limit of 13.5 metric tons per axle load on Feb. 1; and the prescribed gross vehicle weight (GVW) standard on May 1. “This will allow the truckers and haulers the opportunity to inform their customers, the importers and exporters, to adjust the weights of their cargoes," Singson said in an article posted on the DPWH website. He said the load limit was agreed upon in a meeting with truckers last Jan. 13. When the enforcement of the maximum allowable load limit starts, deputized DPWH personnel shall issue Temporary Operating Permits (TOPs) and confiscate plates of overloaded trucks. Singson said the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has deputized the DPWH to enforce the anti-overloading law. "Based on the anti-overloading provisions of RA 8794, only vehicles that will not exceed the 13.5 kilograms maximum axle load limit and the prescribed gross vehicle weight for trucks and trailers are allowed to proceed on the roadway," the DPWH said. Singson said the DPWH will need some P40 billion for road maintenance works because of the early deterioration of roads caused by overloaded trucks. “This is a 10-year-old law that we really need to implement to protect and assure the quality of our national roads and bridges," he added. Data from the dry run operation conducted Wednesday in the North and South Harbors showed that out of 179 trucks weighed, 105 were overloaded. It added the overloaded cargo ranged from 1,000 to 36,000 kilograms. The DPWH cited one case where a truck weighed about 76,000 kilograms, which is extremely overloaded compared to the maximum 41,000-kilogram standard. “Just imagine how these trucks will do damage to our national roads especially our bridges," Singson said. Issues agreed upon during the dialogue included the conduct of truck weighing inside the port area and for the DPWH to consider the weighing receipt issued by the Bureau of Customs. Another coordination meeting together will be held with representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry, Bureau of Customs and representatives from the manufacturing industry. — LBG, GMANews.TV