Drive vs trucks overloaded with agri goods resumes at NLEX, SCTEX

MANILA, Philippines - The operator of the two longest expressways traversing Central Luzon hailed the recent order of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to subject once again trucks transporting agricultural products for possible violation of anti-overloading laws.

Ramoncito S. Fernandez, president and CEO of Tollways Management Corp. (TMC), said the LTO order dated Sept. 15, lifting the moratorium earlier enjoyed by trucks loaded with agriculture products and other perishable goods, “levels the playing field and is a big boost to our ongoing anti-overloading campaign.”

The order takes effect Sept. 22. TMC is the operator of the 84-km North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and the interim service provider of the 94-km Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX).

“This is a welcome development, because we no longer have to take exceptions in apprehending every truck carrying cargo more than its allowable load. This keeps our expressways safer from possible accidents due to overloaded trucks,” Fernandez added.

Fernandez, who is also president and CEO of Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC), said the anti-overloading drive “has positive impact on the longer lifespan of our roadways.”

MPTC is the majority owner of TMC and the Manila North Tollways Corp. (MNTC), builder and concessionaire of the 84-kilometer NLEX.

LTO-deputized enforers at NLEX and SCTEX are all geared toward the full implementation of R.A. 8794, more commonly known as the Anti-Overloading Law. All trucks beyond the 13.5 metric tons per axle load limit are apprehended.

Earlier, LTO chief Arturo C. Lomibao recently gave the order to all regional directors and deputized personnel lifting the November 2008 moratorium on apprehensions of trucks overloaded with agricultural and perishable cargoes. In the order, Lomibao said reasons for the temporary suspension, such as lowering food prices and ensuring the efficient flow of food supply nationwide, no longer exist.

Lomibao said the order is LTO’s response to the concerns raised by government agencies and other stakeholders concerned with road maintenance, stating that overloading has adversely affected the stability and safety conditions of the roads.

The trucks will no longer suffer delay especially at NLEX because of newly installed devices called weigh-in-motion (WIM), which check every truck while in motion. The WIM instantly calculates the load of a truck once the vehicle passes through a dedicated lane which is equipped with a sensor, camera and computer.