Ebdane orders strict implementation of trucks’ load limit

Regional directors of the Department of Public Works and Highways have been ordered to impose the strict compliance of the rules on load limit of vehicles on roads and highways in the country.

Public Works Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane said the regional directors and district engineers have been reminded already about the implementation of the load limit regulations by requiring cargo trucks pass first the weigh-bridge station to determine if these vehicles complied with the rules.

There are five weigh-bridge stations in Central Visayas, two of which are in Cebu: One in Minglanilla for the south and the other in Mandaue for the north.

DPWH personnel overseeing these stations have recently asked that they would be deputized by the Land Transportation Office so that they will have the authority to issue temporary operator’s permit against violators.

Overloading trucks contribute to the deterioration of roads and bridges so compliance must be strictly observed especially at this period of the typhoon season, said Ebdane.

Ebdane also wanted the regional directors to discuss thoroughly with the stakeholders the matter of decreasing the load limit requirement from the present 13.5 metric tons to about 10 or 11 metric tons.  — Ferliza C. Contratista/RAE