How to ensure oversized carriers stay off road

Oversized goods carriers are rampant on the city's roads. To carry more luggage, these vehicles are fitted with bodies that are unscientific in size, protruding beyond the wheels. The city has 2.19 lakh heavy transport and goods vehicles and the traffic police have booked 56,181 cases on vehicles carrying lengthy materials. The Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Bill 2016 has introduced Rs 5,000 penalty for oversized vehicles
`Nix Permit for Repeat Offence'

STEPS

A vehicle is designed for a certain load.

If it is oversized or overloaded, the vehicle's stability is affected and the centre of gravity shifts.

There is a need to educate drivers and transport companies on the risks of oversized vehicles.

Penalty is the only thing that can deter.

The traffic police should levy fines on first offence.

The transport department should cancel the vehicle's permit on subsequent violations.

Some of the tallboy designs aren't considered safe because the centre of gravity is higher from the ground, proving to be an additional risk.

Vehicles overturning is common on Mysuru Road.

Authorities can start enforcement in such stretches.

`Roads too Get Damaged'

STEPS

Random checking is the best way to send a strong message.

It can keep drivers on their toes.

There is a need for better coordination between the traffic police and transport authorities.

The RTO should check for a vehicle's dimensions and mechanical soundness as specified in the Motor Vehicles Act, whereas enforcement of load limits comes under the traffic police.

Weighbridges need to be established on highways to improve enforcement.

GPS technology is now available not only to track vehicles but detect vehicles that are oversized and overloaded.