EAC/JICA Study for the

Harmonization of Axle Over

Load Control in EAC.
Highlights of the study and
strategies
1 March 2011

Harmonisation of Axle Overload Control in EAC

By Eng. Charles Habarugira Sabiiti, Northern Corridor
Transit Transport Coordination Authority

BACKGROUND
Overloading has not been adequately controlled
because of difficulties related to weighbridge
management, equipment / facilities, and
calibration standards.
Based on the result of SSATP studies, 3 RECs
reached a basic agreement on improvement and
harmonization of vehicle overload control. The
agreement includes revision of vehicle overload
control laws and regulations and related
standards based on SADC Memorandum of
Understanding.
1 March 2011

Harmonisation of Axle Overload Control in EAC, Presentation by Eng. Charles H. Sabiiti,

Northern Corridor Transit Transport Coordination Authority

KEY AREAS OF HARMONISATION

Prepare memorandum by each country based on
the MOU of SADC vehicle loading control;
Axle load limit shall be determined through
consultation with experts and stakeholders;
Adopt the 56 tons gross vehicle weight limit by
SADC and abolish quadruple axle units;
Overloading should not be the subject of a legal
penalty but should be the subject of a violation
charge that is to cover road maintenance cost.
1 March 2011

Harmonisation of Axle Overload Control in EAC, Presentation by Eng. Charles H. Sabiiti,

Northern Corridor Transit Transport Coordination Authority

KEY AREAS OF HARMONISATION

Calibration of weighbridge equipment
should be carried out in accordance with
regional calibration standards. This
includes networking of weighbridges and
training of personnel; and
Outsourcing of weighbridge
management to the private sector
through PPPs.
1 March 2011

Harmonisation of Axle Overload Control in EAC, Presentation by Eng. Charles H. Sabiiti,

Northern Corridor Transit Transport Coordination Authority

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

1. Formulate recommendations for the
following:
Improve and harmonize related
laws and regulations of the
member countries;
Adopt common standards of
fees/charging;
1 March 2011

Harmonisation of Axle Overload Control in EAC,

Presentation by Eng. Charles H. Sabiiti,
Northern Corridor Transit Transport
Coordination Authority

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

Harmonize standards for vehicle
overload control in the EAC;
Establish standards corresponding to
new technologies in vehicle/axle
configuration;
Harmonize weighbridge calibration
standards;
1 March 2011

Harmonisation of Axle Overload Control in EAC, Presentation by Eng. Charles H. Sabiiti,

Northern Corridor Transit Transport Coordination Authority

2. Formulate a regional legal

framework regarding vehicle
overload control in the EAC (similar
to OSBPs);
3. Promote consensus building toward
(1) and (2) above.
1 March 2011

Harmonisation of Axle Overload Control in EAC, Presentation by Eng. Charles H. Sabiiti,

Northern Corridor Transit Transport Coordination Authority

ULTIMATE GOAL
Harmonize vehicle over load
control and weighbridge
management among the EAC
member countries and
integration with SADC and
COMESA (and IGAD) regulations.
1 March 2011

Harmonisation of Axle Overload Control in EAC, Presentation by Eng. Charles H. Sabiiti,

Northern Corridor Transit Transport Coordination Authority

IMPLEMENTATION
Harmonization of axle load control in
the EAC is a component of East African
Trade and Transport Facilitation
Programme, EATTFP being financed by
AfDB.
The outcome of the studies related to
the legal framework, training and
printout of certificates will ultimately be
implemented.
1 March 2011

Harmonisation of Axle Overload Control in EAC, Presentation by Eng. Charles H. Sabiiti,

Northern Corridor Transit Transport Coordination Authority

The Technical Rationale for the

Recommended Limits
There is need to balance the road building
costs with the overall transport costs;

1 March 2011

Harmonisation of Axle Overload Control in EAC, Presentation by Eng. Charles H. Sabiiti,

Northern Corridor Transit Transport Coordination Authority

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Balancing
Road Building Costs and Transport Costs
Costs of provision and maintenance of road
infrastructure.
Carried by government

Costs of transporting goods and people on roads.

Carried by transporters and users and passed
onto public through operating costs and road
user charges.
1 March 2011

Harmonisation of Axle Overload Control in EAC, Presentation by Eng. Charles H. Sabiiti,

Northern Corridor Transit Transport Coordination Authority

11

Balancing
Road Building Costs and Transport
Costs
The stronger the road pavement, the greater
the load carrying capacity and the higher the
construction costs;

The greater the vehicle loading, the lower the

unit costs of transport to the operator and
hence to the customer/public.
1 March 2011

Harmonisation of Axle Overload Control in EAC, Presentation by Eng. Charles H. Sabiiti,

Northern Corridor Transit Transport Coordination Authority

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There is need to minimise Total Transport

Costs: Optimising Axle Load Limits

1 March 2011

Harmonisation of Axle Overload Control in EAC, Presentation by Eng. Charles H. Sabiiti,

Northern Corridor Transit Transport Coordination Authority

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Weighbridge Equipment Standards,

Operations and
Calibration
In general, existing regulations/guidelines for
weighbridge equipment standards, operations
and calibration in EAC partner states are
inadequate.
There is need for guidance on choice of
appropriate weighbridge equipment.
1 March 2011

Harmonisation of Axle Overload Control in EAC, Presentation by Eng. Charles H. Sabiiti,

Northern Corridor Transit Transport Coordination Authority

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Weighbridge Equipment
Standards, Operations and
Calibration
There is need for regional network of weighing
stations;
There is need for regional calibration standard
and independent auditing of weighbridges;
There is need for harmonised accreditation
standards for weighbridges and mutually
acceptable weighing certificates;
There is need for harmonised training programs.
1 March 2011

Harmonisation of Axle Overload Control in EAC, Presentation by Eng. Charles H. Sabiiti,

Northern Corridor Transit Transport Coordination Authority

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END

Thank you
1 March 2011

Harmonisation of Axle Overload Control in EAC, Presentation by Eng. Charles H. Sabiiti,

Northern Corridor Transit Transport Coordination Authority

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