The Ministry of Public Works and Transport announced it would strengthen penalties for transportation companies, owners of heavy lorries and individual vehicle owners who exceed weight limits.

In a statement seen by The Post on November 2, the ministry advised delivery firm owners to ensure their drivers obey the traffic law. Goods must not exceed the weight limit by more than 20 per cent and weigh stations have to take measures in accordance with the law, it said.

“If case of repeated offence, the driving licence will be suspended for two years and the [overloaded] vehicle will be impounded for one year under Article 60 of the road law,” it said.

Delivery firm owners, vehicle owners and drivers who are punished have a right to file a complaint as stated in Article 47 of the road law.

Cambodia Logistics Association (CLA) president Sin Chanthy told The Post on Tuesday he supports stricter enforcement but called on officials to enforce the law justly and transparently.

He said the enforcement will contribute to road maintenance and reduce traffic accidents.

“We have to do our part to reduce traffic accidents because it requires participation from everyone.

“This does not affect deliveries. If a driver delivers over the limit, it doesn’t bring benefits so we should respect the law,” Chanthy said.

Asia Injury Prevention (AIP) Foundation director Kim Pagna said while he welcomed the move, he urged the ministry to call delivery company representatives to a meeting to tell them about the stricter measures and offer advice related to delivering goods.

“Delivering over the limit has a great risk because it can cause traffic accidents and damage road infrastructure. Some companies have not complied with the ministry’s guidelines.

“We can suspend licences of delivery companies that break the law and impound vehicles for a certain amount of time. It will be a warning to other delivery firms,” he said.