Efforts underway to keep heavy vehicles off roads at certain times: Saeed

Economic and Transport Minister Mohamed Saeed said today that efforts are underway to ensure heavy vehicles are not driven at certain times. Speaking at a press briefing held at the President's Office, Saeed said the measure would be implemented in a way that does not burden businesses. He said the ministry has been consulting with businesses for four months on setting specific hours for heavy vehicle operations, and that the work is aimed at bringing a solution that benefits the majority. Saeed noted that setting specific hours for heavy vehicles and changes to the hours for transporting gas and water could create difficulties. He also said that heavy vehicles operating on the Sinamalé Bridge during peak hours have worsened traffic, and that solutions are being sought for the problem. Saeed anticipated that a regulation concerning heavy vehicles will be gazetted within about a week. It is notable that restricted hours for heavy vehicle operations are usually set during Ramadan.