Officials propose tougher rules on axle load control

“All bulk liquid tankers must have a pictorial depiction on each side of the tanker showing the axle configuration and the maximum volume of the tanker,” the committee said.

“All bulk liquid tankers must have an identification plate indicating the name of manufacturer, year of manufacture, serial number and capacity,” adds the report.

It also proposes that the government should make it mandatory for oil marketers to transport all white petroleum products by pipeline between Mombasa and Nairobi.

From January to October, according to Mr Ogara Okech, the manager at Mariakani weighing bridge, 1,439 trucks were prosecuted and fined a total of Sh56.5 million, for overloading up to 15 tonnes.

Minimum fines stipulated under the Traffic Act, according to the report, for overloading offences were ignored by the Law Courts. The law identifies three offenders as the driver, the owner and the loader. 

“Many courts only fine the driver. The Traffic Act and the Kenya Roads Act provide for restitution measures for damage to road infrastructure,” says the report.

That committee want overloading decriminalised and introduction of spot fines for overloading offences by instituting and recovering overloading fees which are punitive with respect to the level of overloading and cover damage to the road, enforcement and administrative costs. Proposed penalties for overloading are Sh10,000 plus up to Sh380 per overload ton/Km of travel. 

The committee also wants the vehicle inspection sticker to be modified to include vehicle tare weight. The government should also re-introduce TLB licenses for all commercial vehicles.

A standing Oversight Committee comprising key stakeholders has been recommended to oversee axle load control measures in Kenya.