The Algerian national gendarmerie has intensified its crackdown on truck owners who overload their vehicles, imposing penalties of up to 10 years in prison and fines ranging from 5 million to 10 million Algerian dinars. The move aims to reduce road accidents and protect the country's infrastructure. The gendarmerie has deployed teams and units to monitor and enforce the regulations, particularly on the East-West highway.

The crackdown is part of a broader plan to reduce road accidents and eliminate road terrorism. The gendarmerie has equipped its personnel with portable weighing devices that can be used to measure the weight of trucks on the go. These devices are more effective than traditional methods and provide instant results. Additionally, the gendarmerie has set up weighing stations at key intersections to monitor and penalize overloaded trucks.

The problem of overloaded trucks has caused significant damage to Algeria's roads, particularly the East-West highway. According to reports, overloaded trucks have caused major damage to the road surface, leading to costly repairs. A study by the Ministry of Public Works found that the main cause of road deterioration was the excessive weight of trucks, particularly during braking, which puts additional stress on the road surface.

The penalties imposed on truck owners who overload their vehicles include fines of 500,000 Algerian dinars for every 250 kilograms of excess weight. The gendarmerie can also confiscate the driver's license and impose prison sentences of up to 10 years. The regulations are designed to protect the country's infrastructure and reduce the risk of road accidents.

The gendarmerie has launched a nationwide campaign to raise awareness among truck owners about the dangers of overloading their vehicles. The campaign, which carries the slogan "Respect the legal weight, protect yourself and others," aims to educate truck owners about the risks of overloading and the importance of respecting the law.

The Algerian authorities have taken a tough stance on overloaded trucks in an effort to protect the country's infrastructure and reduce road accidents. The move has been welcomed by many, who see it as a necessary step to address the problem of overloaded trucks. The gendarmerie has vowed to continue its efforts to enforce the regulations and ensure road safety.

Truck owners who overload their vehicles risk facing severe penalties, including prison sentences and hefty fines. The regulations are designed to protect the country's infrastructure and reduce the risk of road accidents. The gendarmerie's efforts to enforce the regulations have been praised by many, who see it as a necessary step to address the problem of overloaded trucks.

Key points

  • Algeria's national gendarmerie has imposed penalties of up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to 10 million Algerian dinars on truck owners who overload their vehicles.

Share this story

Written by

SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.