Deployment of technology such as weigh speed motion at Mariakani Weighbridge in Kilifi County has enhanced compliance to stipulated Axle Load limits along the Northern Corridor by more than 98 percent.
According to Ebenezer Commercial Works, the company retained to operate the Mariakani cluster, the introduction of cutting-edge technology by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has reduced the time taken to move goods from the port of Mombasa to landlocked countries such as Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Mariakani Assistant manager Victor Kithome said there has been a marked improvement and compliance to the East African Axle Load Act and the Traffic Act due to the introduction of Weigh in motion and the improvement of facilities by KeNHA at the Mariakani, Dongo Kundu and Mtwapa weighbridges.
Kithome said the number of lorries reporting overloading have decreased significantly in the last 60 days while efficiency has increased during the same period.
He attributed the move to cooperation between the weighbridge management company and the truck owners and crew as a result of sensitization by KeNHA.
At the same time, Kithome warned truck drivers against deployment of lift axle while the truck is loaded saying the move was destroying road service and is against the law.
He said despite sensitization on the dangers of lift axle, drivers continue to flout the rule warning of dire consequences to those engaging in the vice.
He said KeNHA has sensitized truck crew on the need for compliance adding that patience was running out.
