Edghill warns of consequences for illegal parking, overloaded trucks

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill has announced stricter enforcement measures against illegal parking, road encumbrances and trucks carrying excessive loads that damage the country’s roads.

Addressing several issues the ministry has been actively tackling, Edghill said trucks are being tested and monitored for axle loads at multiple locations, with more than 1,000 trucks already weighed. He warned that operators found violating axle load limits will face penalties.

“If you are caught carrying more load than is allowed based on your vehicle’s axle, you will be stopped immediately. You will not be allowed to continue traversing, and you will face financial consequences,” he said, adding that vehicle safety will also be checked and tailgates must be secured.

The Minister also addressed the growing problem of illegal parking and road encroachments. He noted that government property is being damaged and said the ministry, working alongside the police and Traffic and Maintenance Division, will hold those responsible accountable.

“You damage government property, you will be made to pay,” Edghill emphasised.

He further warned operators of heavy machinery who damage roads and shoulders by moving equipment without protective pads that they will be held responsible.

“We also have a situation where owners of excavators and heavy-duty machinery are passing on newly paved roads without putting the pads…destroying road shoulders. This practice must stop,” he said.

Edghill also addressed contractors engaged by the Ministry, noting that those who fail to meet agreed standards will not be compensated.

“Contractors who are involved in weeding and cleaning that don’t do their work properly and don’t clean up and move away the grass. We have put measures in place to start weeding them out of the system and replacing them with contractors who will do the job efficiently,” he said.

To enhance accountability and efficiency, the Ministry has introduced two hotline numbers – 624-2964 and 624-2965 – for citizens and contractors to report encumbrances, unsafe practices, or road damage.