The Department of Public Works and Highways has suspended enforcement of a new weight limit on trucks and trailers to keep them from damaging roads.
Apprehension of trucks beyond the limit on gross vehicle weight, 41,500 kilograms for six-wheeler trucks with four-wheel trailers and 42,000 kg for six-wheeler trucks with six-wheel trailers, will be suspended until January 31, 2014.
The DPWH will still enforce a maximum axle load limit–the fraction of the total weight on each axle–of 13,500 kg to prevent overloading which affects highway safety and traffic.
Trucking companies have opposed the weight limits saying they are inconsistent and confusing. They held a protest caravan in Manila Thursday involving 50 container trucks.
Manila Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada invited truckers to a dialogue but warned that if they disrupt traffic in his city again, they will be arrested.
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Photo: Celica21gtfour
