The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will soon be providing extra trucks at designated weighbridge areas so that overloaded trucks to transfer extra weight in bid to protect major thoroughfares and bridges.

DPWH Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr said that the plan is part of the concrete measures being taken up by the bureau to address the recurring problem on overloading.

He also said that this would also help cut costs on road and bridge maintenance.

The Anti-Overloading Law mandates maximum weights for all trucks and commercial vehicles to preserve the road and bridge networks.

“The non-compliance to the law has led to the rapid deterioration of the road network, resulting in repeated repair work," said Ebdane, during the regular DPWH staff meeting held recently in Clarkfield, Pampanga.

He said that the government will not shell out money on the new scheme as truck operators will have to pay for the trucking cost as well as the penalty fees.

"While the Law provides for monitoring mechanisms, the penalty of paying a fine does not stop the violator from continuing to use the road, despite the overloaded truck. This defeats the intent of the Anti-Overloading Law, because there is no other action being taken to prevent overloaded trucks from traversing the road," said Ebdane.

At the same time, the DPWH chief directed the DPWH Regional Directors to come up with preventive measures on the ground to ensure that violators not only pay the penalty, but more importantly that overloaded trucks that are apprehended do not get to continue their journey without unloading the excess weight.

Ebdane added that he is coordinating with the Land Transportation Office and the Philippine National Police to implement the preventive mechanisms.

"The investment in our roads and bridges is a substantial amount every year. It is the job of the DPWH to maintain the roads as well as build them. By providing trucks on stand-by at the weigh bridge areas to take on their excess weight, we are protecting the investment of our taxpayers, and helping the truckers comply with the law," he said. - GMANews.TV


http://www.gmanews.tv/story/94330/DPWH-unveils-plans