Truck drivers will now have to ensure that their vehicles are operated within the weight limits set out in the Road Traffic Act or face jail time and huge fines.

The Island Traffic Authority's (ITA) vehicle weight-enforcement programme, under which ITA inspectors, backed by the police, will use two scales to weight heavy-duty vehicles passing through checkpoints, was launched yesterday. The checkpoints will be mounted first in Ferry, St Catherine, and Osborne Store, Clarendon.

Convictions for operating an overweight vehicle could lead to up to six months in prison or fines of up to $25,000.

Permanent secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Works, Alwyn Hales, was quick to point out that drivers will have a 30-day grace period before prosecution begins.

"We will have a 30-day period for public education," Hales told The Gleaner.

ITA director Paul Clemetson and Superintendent of Police Terrence Bent gave the assurance that their officers are trained and ready to start.

Permanent scales

The ITA will start out using two mobile weight scales. However, Hales said $200 million has been allocated in the budget to design and construct two permanent weight scales at Harbour View, Kingston, and Agualta Vale, St Mary.

Minister of Transport and Works Mike Henry, who officially launched the programme, said it was not designed to target any particular group.

Instead, he argued that vehicle weight enforcement would significantly reduce damage to the nation's roadways while improving the safety of everyone.

Clemetson said overloading of heavy-duty vehicles was now at an all-time high, mainly because of relaxed enforcement.