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— Addressing road safety and maintenance
In a bid to protect Liberia’s road infrastructure and ensure public safety, the Ministry of Transport (MOT) has launched an intensive Axle Load Control initiative, emphasizing that heavy penalties will be imposed on vehicles that exceed weight limits. These fines, officials say, will contribute to the revitalization and maintenance of the nation’s critical road networks.
The launch of this campaign was marked by a signing ceremony on Monday, December 16th, 2024, between the Ministry of Transport and WIDRA Liberia, held at a local hotel in Sinkor. The initiative seeks to educate drivers on the dangers posed by overloading vehicles and their negative impact on Liberia’s roads, bridges, and overall transport infrastructure.
Minister of Transport, Sirleaf Ralph Tyler, underscored the importance of compliance with weight regulations, stressing that overloaded vehicles are the main cause of excessive wear and tear on the country’s roads, leading to costly repairs.
“When vehicles exceed weight limits, they not only damage roads but also compromise safety by affecting the handling and braking capabilities of the vehicles,” Tyler said. “This initiative aims to mitigate road safety risks while also addressing the economic burden caused by the need for frequent road repairs.”
The project, which targets both education and enforcement, will impose heavy fines on drivers who fail to adhere to weight limits. Minister Tyler explained that the revenue generated from these penalties will be directly deposited into Liberia’s revenue account. “These funds will then be used to support the redevelopment and maintenance of our roads, helping to prolong the lifespan of our infrastructure,” he added.
The National Road Fund’s Manager, Joseta Neufville-Wento, echoed these remarks, pointing out that overloaded vehicles significantly reduce the durability of road surfaces and bridges. She noted that proper enforcement of axle load laws will help curb this issue and redirect valuable resources towards road repairs. “Every dollar collected through fines will go back into maintaining and upgrading Liberia’s roads,” Neufville-Wento said. “By enforcing these weight regulations, we will reduce the damage to our infrastructure and, over time, improve the efficiency and reliability of our entire transportation network.”
Atty. Dave Dahn Diawoo Sr., the Transport Consultant and Coordinator of the Ministry’s Technical Support Unit (TSU), emphasized that the initiative plays a crucial role in the sustainability of the National Road Fund, which finances road development across the country. “By minimizing road damage and reducing costly repairs, we can maximize the impact of the National Road Fund and ensure that our infrastructure supports the nation’s continued economic growth,” Diawoo explained.
Diawoo also highlighted the seriousness of the penalties for non-compliance, which will include fines that contribute to the government’s road development fund. “The fines will be significant,” he stated, “but they are necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of our road networks.”
In closing, the Ministry of Transport urged all drivers to respect the new regulations, emphasizing that adherence to the Axle Load Control system is essential for preserving Liberia’s road infrastructure, improving road safety, and promoting sustainable economic growth. “By driving responsibly and following these regulations, we are all contributing to a safer, more efficient, and reliable transportation system for Liberia,” Minister Tyler concluded.
