Crackdown on overloaded trucks on

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Bayani Fernando has ordered a crackdown on overloaded trucks plying the roads of the metropolis. Fernando told reporters yesterday that the campaign against overloaded trucks was conceived in response to the negative impact of these vehicles on traffic in general.

Specifically, Fernando said that overloaded trucks contribute to the deterioration of the roads because of the excess weight they carry around. The trucks also go beyond the recommended weight limit set by the manufacturers which results in the deterioration of the vehicles.

Emission levels of overloaded vehicles are proven to be higher than those with normal loads because of the additional pressure imposed on the engines.

Fernando said that trucks also slow down traffic because the speed of the overloaded vehicles is affected by its load. On the other hand, he said that some of these trucks attempt to accelerate in spite of their load thus causing brake failures and in several occasions accidents.

"I have ordered the MMDA and DPWH to apprehend overloaded trucks because they are dangerous to everyone," Fernando said.

The vehicles involved in the crackdown include the cargo trucks, delivery vans and dump trucks. – Marvin Sy