FOR the first time ever, cane lorries arriving at the Fiji Sugar Corporation’s mills will be scrutinised and weighed for breach of road safety and load restrictions, says Land Transport Authority CEO Samuel Simpson.
In a statement issued yesterday, the LTA said it had some important safety messages for motorists and those involved in the industry.
“The LTA will have enforcement teams constantly monitoring road and load safety during the conveyance of the cut sugar cane,” Mr Simpson said.
“For the first time, the authority’s enforcement officers will be stationed at the Fiji Sugar Corporation’s mills monitoring load dimensions and weight of vehicles on a 24/7 basis.
“Over-dimensioned vehicles present a risk to motorists who cannot see past a truck that has sections of its load projecting beyond the vehicle sides.
“The truck drivers cannot see what is at the side or in rear of their vehicle as the vision in the mirrors is obscured by the load.”
In terms of overloaded trucks, Mr Simpson said a truck carrying too much weight required excessive braking distances even when using brakes in good condition.
He also called on motorists to exercise road courtesy during the cane harvest and crushing season.
FSC board chairman Vishnu Mohan, at a press conference in Lautoka last month, said authorities had revised weight restrictions on cane lorries for the 2019 season.
However, questions sent to the LTA last month and again yesterday on the issue remain unanswered when this report went to press.