Highway agencies all over the world recognise that overweight trucks are a major cause of premature pavement deterioration. Compliance with truck weight regulations in each jurisdiction varies because of differences in enforcement levels, tolerances, fine schedules for violations, and other punitive actions. The object of this research was to develop a methodology for assessing the effectiveness of a truck weight enforcement program. Truck weight regulations and trucking activity in the Province of New Brunswick, Canada, were used as a case study. The methodology essentially compares incremental revenues that can be earned by overloading a particular truck configuration with the expected cost of getting caught, taking into account the fine regime and the level of enforcement. The results of the research demonstrated that fines are not structured in New Brunswick to be an effective deterrent for would-be violators. Alternative enforcement programs were postulated and the deterrent effect was evaluated.
Samenvatting