Interior Minister and head of the National Road Safety Committee Sar Kheng on Thursday called for authorities at all levels to be more vigilant in regulating overloaded trucks that spill soil on public roads as it causes road damage and creates hazardous conditions.

Kheng’s comments were made during a committee meeting on land traffic safety. Under Cambodia’s Traffic Law, trucks may carry up to 40 tonnes of cargo, but the goods must be properly secured to prevent harm or damage to public or private property.

Beginning on Tuesday, traffic police will be more aggressive and active in checking that people are following traffic regulations, including those dealing with overloaded trucks and vehicles with loads that are not properly secured, according to an announcement from the committee.

Traffic Safety Institution Director Ear Chakrya blamed the lax regulation on corruption, and said overloaded trucks and spills not only damage public roads, but also cause traffic accidents. “Corruption constrains the law’s enforcement,” Chakrya said.

The director of public order at the Ministry of Interior, Run Rathveasna, acknowledged that corruption could play a role in the relaxed policing, but maintained that those who are found guilty will face penalties.

“Police commit corruption as individuals, but not all [of them do],” he said.