Cargo truck operators on tension over weighbridge
Jul 26, 2011
CARGO truck operators on the Kampala-Gulu-Juba road are on tension after the roads agency started using a weighbridge at Luweero to combat overloading.
By Samuel Balagadde
CARGO truck operators on the Kampala-Gulu-Juba road are on tension after the roads agency started using a weighbridge at Luweero to combat overloading.
The maximum gross weight (axle load) for any truck in Uganda is 56 tonnes. This is aimed at prolonging the lifespan of roads.
Dan Alinange, the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) spokesperson, said they had started operating the weighbridge recently as they monitor the variations in compliance of the facility. The law came into force on July 25.
“Many of the truck operators on the route are worried because they are not compliant.â€
The weighbridge also has other facilities, including the mobile weighing scales, to back-up the main one in emergency cases.
“Cargo trucks heading to South Sudan have increased, hence, the need to control the axle load to prevent the road from premature destruction,†he said.
Alinange said the facility can accommodate about 40 trucks at ago. Excess load on any truck is impounded and the culprits fined.
The facility is one intervention by the Government to curb overloading vehicles as they cause heavy damages to the road.
William Busuulwa, the Uganda National Transporters Alliance, welcomed the enforcement of the axle load policy.
CARGO truck operators on the Kampala-Gulu-Juba road are on tension after the roads agency started using a weighbridge at Luweero to combat overloading.
The maximum gross weight (axle load) for any truck in Uganda is 56 tonnes. This is aimed at prolonging the lifespan of roads.
Dan Alinange, the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) spokesperson, said they had started operating the weighbridge recently as they monitor the variations in compliance of the facility. The law came into force on July 25.
“Many of the truck operators on the route are worried because they are not compliant.â€
The weighbridge also has other facilities, including the mobile weighing scales, to back-up the main one in emergency cases.
“Cargo trucks heading to South Sudan have increased, hence, the need to control the axle load to prevent the road from premature destruction,†he said.
Alinange said the facility can accommodate about 40 trucks at ago. Excess load on any truck is impounded and the culprits fined.
The facility is one intervention by the Government to curb overloading vehicles as they cause heavy damages to the road.
William Busuulwa, the Uganda National Transporters Alliance, welcomed the enforcement of the axle load policy.