Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Southern Sudan have already put the regional Act effect which, among other things, seeks to reduce the spate of accidents.

Briefing reporters here yesterday, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works, Transport and Communication Joseph Nyamhanga said the new regional Act embodies many new aspects, unlike the existing one.

He was speaking at a forum aimed at imparting knowledge and awareness about the new regulations to heads of key stakeholders in the transport industry from both private and public sectors.

“Before the Act comes into effect, we have seen the need to educate you about it and its relevant regulations, hoping that you will also bequeath the knowledge to others in the transport industry,” he said.

He urged experts with the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) to continue disseminating education and knowledge on the fresh vehicle load control regulations to all transporters countrywide.

Dwelling on impending changes after the Act and its regulations come into effect, he said offenders will be fined up to $15,000 or three years’ imprisonment in default.

“This is why we have set ample time of at least four months in order for all transporters in the country to read between the lines and understand them well since we will not entertain any excuses when the Act and regulations come into force,” he cautioned.

Elaborating, he said according to the new regulations, limitation of weight in axle of super single tyres has been set at 8.5 tonnes instead of the current 10 tonnes.

The PS said the regulations also include the introduction of a special demerit point system while the detention cost at a weighbridge parking lot for an offending vehicle will be $50 per day instead of the current $20.

According to Nyamuhanga, in the coming EAC Vehicle Load Control Act, transporters will have to seek special permission in cases of abnormal, awkward, hazardous, super as well as unstable loads.

“Such special permissions will be charged $10 instead of the current $20,” he added.

Speaking on the sidelines of the forum, Secretary General of the Tanzania Bus Owners Association (TABOA) Enea Mrutu complained that the new regulations were biased.

“First of all we, as transporters, were not consulted during the whole process of developing the said regulations. As a result, the regulations appear to favour some countries while oppressing others,” he pointed out.

Citing an example, he said according to the new Act, there is no weighing of buses in Kenya and Uganda while in Tanzania it is mandatory.

He cautioned that if fully exercised without any amendments, the new regional vehicle load regulations will increase the cost of transporting cargo in the country.

The forum attracted participants from TABOA; Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment; Ministry of Works, Transport and Communications; National Transport Institute (NTI); Ministry of Finance; Road Fund; Tanzania, Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) and the Transporters Association of Tanzania.

Source IPP Media

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