Overload and Trucking
Trucking and Load Control
Bakwena has identified overloaded vehicles as one of the most significant challenges to the operation of a safe Highway. Abnormal loads have increased significantly during recent years and strict control is necessary to limit the damage caused by these vehicles. Bakwena places significant emphasis on the management of overloaded vehicles and at present operates the Mantsole Traffic Control Centre on the N1 under contract to the South African National Roads Agency. The BapongTraffic Control Centre has recently opened on the N4 in the vicinity of Bapong (Sun City Offramp) which will greatly contribute towards the strategic management and control of overloaded vehicles on the Bakwena N1N4 Toll Highway.
The following are some of the reasons why Bakwena is serious about overloading:
- Overloaded vehicles cause damage to the road surface by a factor that grows exponentially as the load increases.
- Damage to roads, as a result of overloading, leads to higher maintenance and repair costs and shortens the life of the road which in turn places an additional burden on the state as well as law abiding road users who ultimately carry the costs of careless and inconsiderate overloading.
- From a road safety perspective, overloaded vehicles are a menace on the road as they require longer distances to brake before they come to a stop.
- Overloaded vehicles generate high centrifugal forces in corners, and shifting loads or loss of tyre grip create a safety risk.
- Overloaded vehicles have a reduced tyre life, higher maintenance costs and an increased risk of blow-outs. The driver has reduced control over the vehicle, increasing the chances of an accident.
- Overloaded vehicles lead to unfair competition between hauliers because the overloader has an unfair competitive advantage.
