Al-Yousef Chairs Meeting to Regulate Truck Traffic and Load Limits
Press coverage 2 newspapers covered this event: Al-Rai · Al-Seyassah →
Al-Yousef Chairs Meeting to Discuss Protecting Roads from Overload Damage and Regulating Truck Traffic
Translated by Qiyas from الراي — Original source
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Saud Al-Sabah, attended by Minister of Public Works Dr. Noura Al-Mashaan, chaired a meeting today, Wednesday, 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.
Sheikh Fahad reviewed a visual presentation outlining the causes of road deterioration and the impact of truck overloading, and explored ways to mitigate such damage by establishing structural standards for vehicle and heavy-load truck lanes that align with legally permitted weights, alongside reviewing the technical specifications and requirements for trucks and their cargoes.
He 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 during tractor changes, and designating suitable routes by leveraging Gulf regional experiences.
He emphasized the importance of cooperation between relevant authorities and transport companies in safeguarding roads. The meeting addressed a mechanism to fine the company or truck owner immediately upon confirmation that overloading caused road damage, enabling prompt repairs without waiting for the completion of judicial procedures.
Other topics included imposing stricter penalties for exceeding permitted weights, failing to adhere to designated truck lanes, and neglecting brake and tire maintenance. The discussion also covered removing drivers who commit serious violations according to established regulations, and tightening oversight of buses operating contrary to their licensed activities.
The meeting also touched upon 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. Additionally, it highlighted the possibility of offering state-owned lots in strategic locations to the private sector for the development of multi-story parking structures.
At the conclusion of the meeting, participating entities presented their plans, with each entity to begin implementing its respective responsibilities at the earliest opportunity.
