Authorities said overloaded are more likely to have tyre bursts and brake failures, which can cause serious accidents.
Image: Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety
As travel for the festive season gains momentum across South Africa, the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety has intensifying its efforts to tackle overloaded vehicles on the roads.
Provincial spokesperson, Tidimalo Chuene said the authorities are specifically targeting overloaded public transport vehicles and light delivery vehicles towing heavily loaded trailers, commonly known as "malaisha".
“These vehicles are mostly found on the N1 road, stretching from Pienaarsrivier in the Waterberg District to the Beitbridge border post in Musina, Vhembe District. Overloaded vehicles are a major threat to road safety. They are more likely to have tyre bursts and brake failures, which can cause serious accidents,” said Chuene.
Overloading also affects a vehicle's stability, handling and stopping power, putting drivers, passengers and other road users at risk.
Authorities said overloaded vehicles are more likely to have tyre bursts and brake failures, which can cause serious accidents.
Image: Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety
The provincial department is currently operating seven traffic control centres, strategically located across the province to monitor and screen vehicle loads.
“These centres are Mantsole, Zebediela, and Groblersbrug in the Waterberg District; Polokwane in the Capricorn District; Musina at Beitbridge in the Vhembe District; Mooketsi in the Mopani District; and Rathoke in the Sekhukhune District,” said Chuene.
By Wednesday, Chuene said in total 1,449 vehicles have been screened and charged for overloading of passengers and goods since the beginning of December.
Authorities said overloaded vehicles are more likely to have tyre bursts and brake failures, which can cause serious accidents.
Image: Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety
“Vehicles found with excessive loads are directed to adjust their loads at the traffic control centre before proceeding with their journeys,” she said.
“We continue to urge all transport operators and motorists to exercise extreme caution and responsibility on our roads. Refraining from overloading passengers and goods is crucial. By adhering to loading regulations and driving responsibly, we can all contribute to safer road. Together, let's work towards achieving our ultimate goal: every day without a road death.”
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
IOL
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