ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Communications has decided to implement the axle load limit on highways and motorways as provided in National Highway Safety Ordinance 2000 from June 1.

According to a press release, a series of meetings were held between the Ministry of Communications and representatives of goods transport agencies and truck drivers associations from Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

Proposals presented by representatives of the transporters were included in the implementation plan.

Representatives of the goods transport agencies, owners of industrial units, law enforcement agencies and provincial governments promised to extend their cooperation for the implementation of rules and regulations concerning the axle load management, adding overloading would be avoided.

“Implementation of axle load limit will not only pave the way to control accidents but will also help protect the highways and motorways as heavy amounts are spent on their construction and maintenance,” the press release said.

A monitoring committee has also been formed which will ensure implementation of the axle load limit.

In case of an issue, the matter will be set right through consultation and cooperation.

A meeting chaired by Additional Secretary Communications Dr Tashfeen Khan discussed the matter. The meeting was attended by senior officers from the NHA, National Highways and Motorway Police and National Transport Research Centre.

The ministry decided to control trucks carrying load beyond the fixed limit on national highways.

Published in Dawn, May 25th, 2019