The Thamarassery Ghat Road Protection Committee has called for imposing more restrictions on tipper lorries that flout wheel-load regulations and transport heavy goods, including granite and other quarry products, on the accident-prone curvy route from Kozhikode to Wayanad district.
The committee, mostly comprising environmental activists, say the illegal practice is causing huge damage to the road, especially during the monsoon season, and it will make the traffic chaotic after the season. Since the number of trucks is now on the increase, an immediate regulation is a must to address the concerns, they demand.
Above 12 tonnes
Committee leaders V.K. Tajudheen and K. Shahid point out that trucks, permitted to carry only nine tonnes, are now transporting above 12 tonnes in the absence of effective checking mechanism.
At the hairpin bends, such overloaded vehicles create trouble for other motorists and frequently interrupt the traffic flow, they allege.
Though the development committees of the local panchayats in the region have discussed the issue several times, and called for better action from enforcement authorities, environmentalists complain that it has made little headway.
A regular checking mechanism to keep such overloaded trucks off the road is still pending, they complain.
“Police and Motor Vehicles Department squads are only interested in checking vehicle documents and driving licence. No action is taken against vehicles that violate weight norms,” says Sajan Thomas, a resident of Thamarassery.
Thamarassery Circle Inspector T.A. Augustine says the police are finding it difficult to carry out regular checking in the area along with the routine duties. “However, we often carry out surprise inspections, and take such vehicles to weighbridges for further inspection. We also impose on-the-spot fine against such offenders,” he adds.
