VietNamNet Bridge – Tougher measures are needed to tackle the continuing problem of overloaded vehicles, Nguyen Van Huyen, director of the Directorate for Roads of Viet Nam (DRVN) tells Giao Thong (Transport) newspaper.

Illustrative image -- File photo

Ha Noi authorities have said they are determined to deal strictly with overloaded vehicles. But a week into this campaign, there is no discernible impact. Also, there does not seem to be a great reduction in the number of vehicles having their oversized containers cut. Can you comment on this?

Until now, Ha Noi has set up three check points and intensified random and surprise inspections on many routes. From April 15-22, as many as 197 vehicles were inspected and 111 violations detected. Of these, 27 vehicles had their oversized containers cut down on the spot and another 11 vehicles were ordered to have them cut.

More than 658 vehicles imported after Circular No. 32/2012/TT-BGTVT (which limits the sizes of containers of dump trucks, tank trucks, truck in traffic) was issued have also been told to reduce the size of their containers.

The rule does not apply to vehicles imported before the issuance of circular on October 1, 2012.

It is true that the figures show weaknesses in dealing with the problem of overloaded vehicles and oversized containers. So more drastic measures are needed in the future.

Several transport companies in Ha Noi have cut their containers as regulated, but are worried that others are not doing the same, putting them at a disadvantage. How would you respond?

In my opinion, this concern is not all that valid. There will be no relaxation in implementing the regulations on oversized containers. All firms will have to do it sooner or later. I can affirm that campaign against overloaded vehicles on roads will also be carried out till the problem is eliminated. So enterprises should not doubt the resolution of concerned agencies.

Those who spot the violations can inform relevant agencies via hotlines and immediate action will be taken.

Director of the Ha Noi Transport Department recently said that firms that do not have their oversized containers cut by June 30, will have their business licences revoked. How will localities implement this?

Localities have been required to implement the regulation for a long time, but there was no proposal on the revoking of business licenses. I think it is a good idea. Since they are authorized to do so, it becomes feasible for the transport department to revoke the licences.

Regarding agencies under the directorate for roads, if we find enough evidence of violations, we'll request localities to revoke business licences.

It's been a year since the campaign against overloaded vehicles was launched. How would you assess its results?

We can recognise positive changes. The number of violating vehicles has been reduced to 10 per cent from 50 per cent at the beginning. The remaining violations are mainly by trucks carrying soil, stone or ore, which travel within a particular locality.

In the near future, the Directorate for Roads of Viet Nam will co-ordinate with provinces and cities to eliminate over-sized containers.

The DRVN will propose that the Ministry of Transport issues stricter regulations on dealing with businesses receiving the overloaded goods, including the revoking of licences for half a month for the first violation and three months for the second violation. They will be forbidden to take part in a tender if they commit the violation for the third time. We have so far revoked the licences of four businesses. Enterprises supplying and receiving goods from overloaded vehicles will also be fined.

VNS