IF TRUCK overloading was effectively policed and controlled by the provincial traffic authorities, the need for the ban on heavy trucks would be removed.
That's according to members of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JMCCI).
"The road infrastructure seems to be adequate," the JMCCI's Marius de Jager told FTW. "So, instead of banning trucks, business believes government intervention should address issues such as inadequate control of overloading and accidents resulting from mechanical failure caused by overloading."
According to JMCCI research, the cost to road maintenance as a result of overloading is estimated at R750-million for the country as a whole.
On the 20 weighbridges operated by the City of Johannesburg, said the Chamber report, only 2 864 vehicles were weighed in 1998. Of these, 72% were found to be overloaded.
"At this rate Johannesburg's weighbridges weigh less than a third of a truck a day."
KwaZulu Natal, by comparison, weighed 15 000 trucks over the same period.
"This active policing," said De Jager, "resulted in a 30% decrease in maintenance costs."
Gauteng needs effective policing of overloaders
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