Al-Yousef Discusses Stricter Penalties for Overloaded Cargo and Expulsion of Serious Offenders

The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, emphasized the importance of cooperation among relevant government entities and transport companies in protecting roads and state property from damage caused by overloaded trucks. This came during a meeting he chaired, attended by Minister of Public Works Dr. Noura Al-Mashaan, with relevant government bodies and representatives of several transport companies, to discuss measures necessary to safeguard roads and state assets from such damage.

The meeting addressed a mechanism for immediately fining the company or truck owner upon confirmation that an overload caused road damage, enabling prompt repairs without waiting for the completion of judicial procedures. Al-Yousef reviewed a visual presentation outlining the causes of road deterioration and the impact of overloaded trucks on them. He also discussed ways to mitigate such damage by establishing structural standards for lanes designated for vehicles and trucks carrying high loads, aligned with legally permitted weights, alongside reviewing the technical specifications and requirements for trucks and their cargoes.

He further discussed with freight transport companies and state-contracted firms responsible for transporting equipment the reasons behind overloading and methods to curb it, including regulating weighbridge locations and truck transit through them, monitoring weights when tractor units are swapped, and designating suitable routes by leveraging Gulf regional experiences.

The discussions also covered strengthening penalties for exceeding permitted weights, failing to adhere to designated truck lanes, and neglecting brake and tire maintenance, as well as measures to suspend drivers who commit serious violations in accordance with prevailing regulations. Additionally, the meeting addressed tightening oversight on buses operating in violation of their licensed activities.

Al-Yousef referred to a study being prepared by the Ministry of Public Works to establish truck parking facilities outside the city, equipped with residential and living amenities, to reduce truck congestion in residential areas. He noted the possibility of offering state-owned lots in strategic locations to the private sector to develop multi-story parking facilities.

At the conclusion of the meeting, participating entities presented their plans, with each entity to commence implementing its respective responsibilities at the earliest opportunity.