First Deputy PM and Interior Minister Discusses Regulating Truck Traffic and Load Control with Relevant Authorities

The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Youssef Al-Saud Al-Sabah, chaired a meeting with relevant government entities and representatives of several transport companies to discuss measures necessary to protect roads and state assets from damage caused by overloaded trucks. The meeting was attended by the Minister of Public Works, Dr. Noura Al-Mashaan.

In a press statement on Wednesday, the Ministry of Interior said that Sheikh Fahad Al-Youssef reviewed a visual presentation during the meeting outlining the causes of road damage and the impact of overloaded trucks on them.

The ministry added that the presentation addressed ways to mitigate such damage by establishing structural standards for vehicle and heavy-load truck lanes, aligned with authorized weights in accordance with prevailing laws, alongside reviewing the technical specifications and requirements for trucks and their loads.

It noted that Sheikh Fahad Al-Youssef discussed with freight transport companies and state-contracted firms responsible for transporting equipment the causes of overloading and methods to curb it, including regulating weighbridge locations and truck passage, monitoring weights when tractor units are swapped, and determining suitable routes for their movement by leveraging Gulf experiences. He emphasized the importance of cooperation between relevant authorities and transport companies in protecting roads.

The ministry clarified that the meeting addressed a mechanism to fine a company or truck owner immediately upon proof that an overloaded load caused road damage, enabling prompt repairs without waiting for the completion of judicial procedures.

It pointed out that the meeting’s topics included imposing stricter penalties for exceeding permitted weights, failing to adhere to designated truck lanes, and neglecting brake and tire maintenance, as well as discussing the removal of drivers who commit serious violations in accordance with established regulations, and tightening oversight of buses used for passenger transport in violation of their licensed activities.

The ministry noted that Sheikh Fahad Al-Youssef referred to a study being prepared by the Ministry of Public Works to establish truck parking areas outside the city, equipped with residential and living facilities, to reduce truck congestion in residential zones. He also mentioned the possibility of offering state-owned lots in strategic locations to the private sector to construct multi-story parking facilities.

At the conclusion of the meeting, participating entities presented their plans, with each entity set to implement its respective responsibilities as soon as possible.