Scales to Be Installed on Highways for Checking Vehicle Loads: Sanosyan

The government intends to install scales on highways to check vehicle loads. This was stated by Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Gnel Sanosyan during the preliminary discussion of the execution of the 2021 state budget in the National Assembly on June 1.

According to him, under the law on motor transport, the country has a permissible maximum axle load of 12 tons. In cases of excessive loading, the road surface begins to deteriorate. The issue is certainly relevant for freight vehicles, not for ordinary passenger cars. “However, it is clear that when a driver loads a truck, they know that they are exceeding the limit. In other words, such violations are carried out consciously and, of course, at the direction of private company directors and owners,” Sanosyan explained.

As the minister noted, they want to save money by not making additional trips. However, everyone ends up paying for their savings. “The roads, including newly repaired ones, are deteriorating. We are reaching a point of absurdity. Such violations are even committed by asphalt-producing factories when transporting their products. That is, with one hand they are repairing the roads with public funds, while with the other hand they are destroying them,” said the government representative.

In this regard, the minister mentioned that several mobile scales have been brought to the republic for the construction, technical, and fire safety inspection body. These can be installed on different roads. “Our plans also include the installation of stationary scales. In both cases, vehicles can be weighed while in motion. This means that drivers will not have to enter a special designated area. We need to cultivate a culture of respect for roads in our country. But if some individuals do not understand any language other than checks and fines, then we will have to impose penalties,” Sanosyan warned.

It is noteworthy that the majority of heavy-load trucks come from Iran.