Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug. 27: It has been observed that Heavy Goods Vehicles transporting containers and other heavy cargo including heavy machinery, steel products, pipes, timber and construction materials are operated without ensuring proper securing of the load. Improperly secured containers/cargo may shift, topple or become detached during transit, thereby posing a serious risk to road users, causing damage to public and private property, endangering human life and may also lead to road accidents.
The road network in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands comprises narrow carriageways, steep gradients, winding roads, sharp curves and hilly terrain. These conditions, coupled with frequent rainfall and slippery road surfaces, considerably increase the risk of movement or instability of inadequately secured loads during transportation.
In the interest of road safety and in exercise of the powers conferred under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, all owners, operators and drivers of Heavy Goods Vehicles transporting containers and other heavy cargo are hereby directed to ensure that the containers and cargo are properly secured before commencement of every journey.
The following directions shall be strictly complied with:
i. The Heavy Goods Vehicle shall possess a valid Certificate of Fitness and shall be maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition.
ii. Containers shall be properly positioned on the vehicle and secured using twist-locks. The container securing arrangement shall comply with the requirements of AIS-093. The twist locks shall comply with the requirements specified in IS: 7622 and shall be fully engaged and inspected prior to commencement of the journey.
iii. Additional suitably rated securing mechanisms such as lashing chains, bars, rods and webbing shall be used if required.
iv. Heavy machinery, steel products, pipes, timber, construction materials and other heavy goods shall be securely restrained using suitable chains, wire ropes, webbing straps, binders, lashings or other approved load restraint devices of adequate strength.
v. Cargo shall be uniformly distributed to maintain vehicle stability, steering and braking of the vehicle and shall be restrained so as to prevent shifting, rolling, sliding, tilting or falling during transit.
vi. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) and overall dimensions of the vehicle shall remain within the limits prescribed under the Motor Vehicles Act and Rules and notifications issued thereunder.
vii. The driver/operator shall ensure that all locks, fastening arrangements and securing devices are properly fitted and in good working condition before starting the journey.
viii. Before commencement of every trip, the driver shall inspect all locking mechanisms, fastening arrangements and load securing devices to ensure that they are properly fitted, adequately tightened and in good working condition.
All concerned owners/operators/drivers are advised to strictly comply with the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act and Rules thereby enhancing road safety. Any violation noticed during enforcement shall be dealt with as per the provisions of law. All Heavy Goods Vehicle owners, transport operators, logistics agencies and other stakeholders are advised to ensure strict compliance in this regard in the interest of public safety. Failure to comply with the law in this regard will attract penalty under Section 86 of MV Act.
The Enforcement Wing of the Transport Department and Police Department shall ensure strict compliance with the above directions during routine checking and enforcement drives.