The Ministry of Transport has granted a reprieve to truckers, in relation to the amount of load they can haul on the islands roads. This follows the temporary adjustment of the maximum permitted axle loads.
Dr. Morais Guy, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Transport, on Wednesday announced that effective immediately, there will be a 20 per cent increase in the maximum axle load limits for trucks.
Previously truckers, through special permits, could haul a maximum of 10 tonnes per axle on the dual rear axle, and five tonnes on the front or single rear axle.
Guy said the temporary increase will remain in place until the government's weight limit enforcement programme is properly established.
"The permitted maximum absolute limit for trucks has been increased by 20%, this remains in effect for the period required to achieve full coverage of weight enforcement activities through the establishment of other weight stations. During and even after this period,enforcement will be ramped up and sustained across the country," he said.
According to Guy, the weight limit enforcement programme, that took effect in 2013, revealed the reality of the extent of the challenge faced by the trucking trade and the government.
He said this prompted face-to-face discussions that have culminated in an agreement to co-operate and identify ways that both parties can benefit. He added that the government was well aware of the significant contributions by the trucking industry to the national economy, adding that the recent approval was just one step that will encourage the continuation and growth of the industry and its continued viability.
Truckers happy
Meanwhile, stakeholders in the trucking trade are happy with the new arrangements for truckers.
Leonard Green, President of the All Island Truckers Association, declared that the move was a signal that government was willing to listen to the concerns of the truckers and act accordingly.
For his part Managing Director of Jamaica Premix Concrete Limited, John Valentine, said the private sector was willing to work with the government to improve the trucking sector, and called for swift implementation of weight bridges islandwide.
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