RAWALPINDI: The National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) has decided to impose heavy fines on goods vehicles exceeding the prescribed weight.

The decision was made to enforce the axle load control regime without relaxation from November 15. The violators would face strict legal action and heavy fines.

The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Federal Secretary of Communications Sher Alam Mehsud and NHMP Inspector General Sultan Ali Khowaja. The meeting was held at the Central Police Office in Islamabad, said a spokesman for the NHMP north zone said.

The meeting, also attended by DIG Zubair Hashmi and senior officials from the Ministry of Communications and National Highway Authority, focused on the implementation of a 100pc axle load control regime on motorways and highways.

The federal secretary emphasised the impact of overloading on highways, causing significant damage and financial losses for the government.

The meeting outlined plans for offloading extra cargo under motorway police supervision with the assurance of constructing warehouses by the NHA to secure the offloaded goods.

The full implementation of the axle load control regime on national highways nationwide will involve imposing heavy fines on vehicles exceeding the prescribed weight, accompanied by strict legal action.

IG Khowaja highlighted the presence of 210 weigh stations, including 14 mobile ones, on motorways and highways across the country.

Ensuring 100pc compliance will require additional manpower and logistical support for which cooperation from the Ministry of Communications is essential.

The federal secretary pledged full support to the NHMP for the implementation of the 100pc axle load control regime.

He also said no concessions would be given to goods vehicles after November 15 and the violators would face strict legal action and heavy fines.

Transporters and drivers were asked to adhere to the prescribed axle load, said the spokesman.

Published in Dawn, November 13th, 2023