Unsecured loads on trucks is now a major concern

Unsecured loads falling of trucks has become a major concern in parts of the country.

There have been some near misses in the past few months where loads falling off truck trays has almost caused fatal accidents.

Over the past months, containers, corrugated iron sheets, cement bags and timber have fallen off trucks in different incidents around the Suva area.

These incidents have occurred in the heart of the capital city, Reservoir Road, Queens Road, Edinburgh Drive and Samabula.

Fijivillage also has received video footage of a flying wooden pallet from a moving company truck which damaged an oncoming vehicle’s side mirror and back window just near Vugalei bridge in Suva. 

The driver had to swerve out of the way of the flying pallet to avoid a direct hit on the windscreen.

We have raised the question with the Land Transport Authority on what is being done about unsecured loads on a number of trucks on our roads as it is a disaster waiting to happen.

Many motorists say they also keep their distance from large logging trucks as they feel the loads are not well secured.

LTA has confirmed to Fijivillage that they issue Traffic Infringement notices.

The worrying issue is that 461 notices have been issued for unsecured loads so far this year. 

These are the trucks spotted by LTA.

LTA says if a vehicle is stopped with an unsecured load it cannot continue until it secures the load.  

If it doesn’t, it is impounded until it is secured.

If any or the entire unsecured load flies out of the vehicle and causes damage, it is the responsibility of the police, it is no longer a LTA matter.

Fijivillage advises people to call LTA on 582 if they witness any cases of unsecured loads.