Government says it will dish out stiffer punishments to drivers who exceed the country’s axle load limits to secure the life span of roads. 

Among the punishments is the review of the current penalty for overloading to GH¢50,000 from GH¢5,000. 

Kwame Governs Agbodza, Minister of Roads and Highways, disclosed this when he took his turn at Government Accountability Series in Accra on Wednesday. 

He explained that many roads in the country were in a deplorable state due to overloading.  

“Those of you who have seen part of the road, Agona Junction to Takwa, which was done less than a year ago, part of the reason that road is almost gone is because of axle loading, not entirely because of that, but many other roads across our country are in a very deplorable state. We intend to do something about this. 

“We have recommended a stiffer penalty regime for those who would not abide by the rule and overload. So you will see that the fees and charges will come up. We are intending to hike the penalty for overloading on our roads from ¢5,000 to ¢50,000.” Mr. Agbodza said.  

He indicated that a cross-sectoral technical committee had been formed to review and improve the axle load control regime.  

The objectives, he said, were to enhance enforcement of axle weight limits, modernise weighbridge infrastructure, align practices with ECOWAS protocols and best practices, and reduce premature pavement failures caused by overloaded trucks. 

To improve the road maintenance regime in the country, the Minister said, Cabinet had also approved the reintroduction of modern road and bridge tolls. 

“We have done the transition to electronic and automated tolling systems, enhanced transparency and auditability of revenue inflows, improved user experience and reduced congestion at toll points,” the Minister said. 

He added that: “There will be no physical barriers on any road, and the tolling would only apply to roads that are engineered, meaning that roads that have been fixed. So, we don’t intend to put tolls on any rough road and other things.” 

He said the proposed new toll rates had been submitted to Parliament through the Ministry of Finance for determination.