Cabinet Backs Special Permits for Wide Loads to Boost Highway Safety

Cabinet has discussed and taken note of consultations held with key stakeholders regarding the transportation of wide loads on national highways and has supported the issuing of special permits as part of broader efforts to improve road safety.  According to the government, the move, together with recent amendments to road safety regulations, is aimed at reducing risks associated with oversized cargo and improving coordination between transport operators and authorities. The measures are also intended to help curb traffic accidents, which last year reportedly exceeded 3,300 incidents nationwide.  Chief Transport Officer Leon Gentle says the decision follows extensive engagement with companies and operators who routinely transport wide loads. He noted that the majority of stakeholders consulted expressed support for the permitting system, viewing it as a practical approach to enhancing safety and predictability on the country’s highways.

CTO Gentle explained that the special permits will allow authorities to better manage when and how wide loads are moved, including considerations such as timing, routing, and safety escorts where necessary. He said this structured approach is expected to reduce conflicts with other road users and minimize the likelihood of accidents.

Also coming out of yesterday’s Cabinet meeting is the approval for an increase in personnel and vehicles.  The approval of the additional support will allow the Department to conduct round-the-clock enforcement, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Authorities say enhanced capacity is necessary as traffic volumes increase and unsafe driving behaviors continue to contribute to accidents nationwide.  Chief Transport Officer Leon Gentle said the Department is moving toward significantly expanding its human resources, with plans to increase the number of Transport Officers to approximately 200. This, he explained, will make sustained 24/7 enforcement both feasible and effective.

Gentle also noted that traffic activity is no longer limited to traditional peak hours, pointing out that in several parts of the country, vehicular movement remains heavy even late at night. As a result, the Department has already been conducting ongoing operations in multiple areas to monitor compliance and deter violations.

Currently, the Department of Transport has close to five dozen transport officers manning the main highways across the country.