Break axle law at own peril, drivers warned
Transit goods trucks. A house team has warned truckers against flouting the stipulated axle load limits. Photo/FILE
What you need to know:
- Stern action will be taken against those flouting load limits, says House team
A house team has warned truckers against flouting the stipulated axle load limits. Abiding by the law, it said, will save the country billions of shillings used to re-carpet dilapidated roads.
The chairman of the Transport and Infrastructure committee, Mr Maina Kamanda, said drivers who overload their vehicles will be subjected to the most stern action.
Speaking after touring major road projects in Mombasa, Mr Kamanda said the planned standard gauge railway is expected to significantly reduce the amount of cargo ferried by road in the region.
“It is the responsibility of transporters to ensure compliance of stipulated axle load limits,” he said.
Mr Kamanda praised efforts by the Kenya National Highways Authority in enforcing the new regulations on axles.
According to the rules that took effect on April 1, transporters will be fined between Sh5,000 and Sh10,000 for an overload that is less than 1,000 kilogrammes, and between Sh200,000 and Sh400,000 for an overload of 10,000 kilogrammes or more.
KeNHA manager in charge of axle load Muita Ngatia said the crackdown on lift and dummy axles was ongoing and would enhance protection of public roads.
“Trucks have faulty axles fitted on them; they are deliberately tampered with by drivers to deceive weighbridge inspectors,” he said.
EAC Vehicle Load Control Act (Streamlined by Legal Notice No. 93 of June 2013) provides for raising tandem axle load limit from 16 to 18 tonnes. The legislation also disallows dummy axles in all member state roads.
Working on new law
KeNHA and the Kenya Transporters Association have been working on a new law that is being implemented. Mr Ngatia said that all non-compliant vehicles will be kept off the roads.
He said the move will prepare the transport sector for a raft of legislation contained in the EAC Act.
Tanzania and Malawi have already effected the law.
“Since implementation of the new Lift/dummy axle regulations was kick-started on April 1, more than 300 trucks have been detained,” Mr Ngatia said.
