DPWH to enforce truck load limit on Feb. 1

MANILA, Philippines - Beginning Feb. 1, trucks which axle load exceeding the maximum allowable load limit of 13.5 metric tons per axle will no longer be allowed to use national roads and bridges. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is now strictly enforcing the load limit because of frequent violations of the anti-overloading law by trucking companies. Public works personnel will be deputized to confiscate the plates of overloaded trucks.

DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson said that by enforcing the loading standards, the national government would be able to cut its road repair expenses and realign the budget for other infrastructure projects.

He said 50 percent of cargo trucks passing through the country’s national roads are overloaded, contributing to the early deterioration of major thoroughfares.