Bakwena has identified overloaded vehicles as creating the most significant challenges to the operation of a safe road. Abnormal loads have increased significantly during recent years and strict control is necessary to limit the damage caused by these vehicles.
Trucking and Load Control
Overloaded vehicles are one of the most significant challenges to keep roads safe. Abnormal loads have increased significantly during recent years and strict control is necessary to limit the damage caused by these vehicles. Bakwena emphasises the control of overloaded vehicles by operating the Mantsole Traffic Control Centre on the N1 and the BapongTraffic Control Centre on the N4.
Overloaded vehicles cause damage to the road surface by a factor that grows exponentially as the load increases. Road damage due to 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 road users who ultimately carry the costs of careless and inconsiderate overloading.
In addition, overloaded vehicles are dangerous on the road because they require longer distances to brake before they come to a stop.
Overloaded vehicles have reduced tyre life, an increased risk of blow-outs and higher maintenance costs. Drivers have reduced control over the vehicle, increasing the chances of an accident.
Legal load limits
All vehicles that exceed the permissible maximum vehicle mass by 2% or more (Regulation 236) and/or the permissible maximum combination mass (Regulation 237) and/or the mass-load carrying capacity of bridges (Regulation 241) as determined in terms of the National Road Traffic Act, will be prosecuted and required to rectify the load to within the legal limits (in this instance a 0% grace will be applicable) before leaving the holding yard at Traffic Control Centres.