The effects of heavy vehicle overloading on the road networks in the SADC region is well documented and has been an issue of discussion in national, regional and international forums for some time. As such, the road sector co-ordinating organ for the region has identified heavy vehicle overloading as one of the priority areas that requires urgent attention for the purpose of reducing the rate of deterioration of the networks. Namibia has for a long time recognised the negative impact of overloading on its road network and has such developed a strategy to minimise the said impact, through constructing weighbridge facilities at strategic locations along the most traffic road sections, together with the establishment of a section within the Roads Authority dedicated to overload control operations and other road safety functions. Statistics from operations carried out at the completed weighbridge facilities show a positive reduction in the extent and degree of overloading which will ultimately transmit in a reduction in pavement consumption in terms of the cumulative number of E80's or Equivalent Standard Axles and although not quantified yet an improvement in vehicle road worthiness on the road network. This paper reviews the strategy taken to minimise the negative impact of heavy vehicle overloading and presents the results derived from overload control operations carried out on the network. The paper also discusses the future plans of the Authority with regard to private sector participation in the management of weighbridges and overload control operations with a view to improving on efficiency and cost-effectiveness. For the covering abstract see ITRD E135448.
Samenvatting