Development of a vehicle load control strategy for Malawi for the period 2016 to 2020

Abstract

In an effort to improve the effectiveness of overload control the Malawi Directorate of Road Transport and Safety Services (DRTSS) appointed two Short Term Experts from the CSIR to assist with the updating of the DRTSS?s 2005 Axle Load Control Strategy and development of a five-year implementation plan for significantly improving the Directorate?s current capacity to effectively manage and enforce axle load control. Specific objectives were to: ? Assist the DRTSS to undertake an extensive nationwide survey to assess the extent of the overloading problem on the paved road network; ? Review and update the 2005 ?Vehicle Weights and Axle Load Control Strategy?, based on the outcome of this survey; ? Produce a Five-year Implementation (Business) Plan that will provide a ?roadmap? for the expansion of the current overload control system; ? Strengthen the overall management and monitoring of axle load control operations through the introduction of adequate monitoring and reporting; and ? Ensure that the underlying legislation adequately supports axle load control operations. The output of the project was a Vehicle Load Control (VLC) Strategy for Malawi for the period 2016 to 2020. The VLC strategy presents the strategic direction that the DRTSS will take for the next five years with regards its vehicle load control mandate. The VLC Strategy will form the basis for the planning and execution of vehicle load control infrastructure and operations. This paper covers the process followed in developing the strategy; the situational analysis undertaken prior to the development of the strategy; and the steps followed in the development of the strategy. The paper then presents the strategic outcomes, outcome targets and outputs that have to be implemented and achieved in terms of this strategy.