In the inspection held on Monday night, challans were issued to 20 vehicles and a total of Rs 6,04,000 was collected as fines. Kochi : The motor vehicles department’s (MVD) enforcement wing is stepping up action against timber-laden vehicles operating with loads beyond the permitted limit. In a night-time surprise inspection conducted across the district by Ernakulam regional transport officer (RTO) Biju Isaac, violations amounting to crores were detected.
Due to excessive load and friction at high speeds, tyres can burst, triggering serious accidents. The drive focused on key industrial and cargo-movement hubs — Muvattupuzha, Koothattukulam, Perumbavoor, Angamaly, and Ernakulam region. Besides overloading, several other serious violations were identified. Strict action was taken against vehicles operating without paying tax, lacking a valid permit, and driving without a licence. Officials also imposed fines for using banned air horns, making unauthorised body modifications, carrying loads with excessive height and length that damage electric and telephone cables, loading in a manner that dangerously protrudes from the rear of the vehicle, and displaying advertisements on transport vehicles without paying the required fee. MVD officers warned that goods vehicles carrying excess weight pose a major threat to the roads and the public. When overloaded, a vehicle’s braking system is more likely to fail suddenly. In emergencies, abrupt braking can cause the vehicle to lose control and overturn, leading to frequent accidents. Vehicles with loads double the permitted limit create large potholes on roads built at huge cost, significantly reducing the roads’ service life. On curved roads and inclines, excessive weight can upset steering balance, causing vehicles to roll backward or overturn.
You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kochi | Silver Rate in Kochi | Bank Holidays in Kochi | Public Holidays in Kochi Stay updated with the latest Kochi news.
MVD officials said inspections will continue more rigorously in the coming days. In Muvattupuzha, a meeting was held with traders and workers at the Pazhakkappilly fish market. The RTO stated that vehicles should be parked and fish sales conducted with due consideration for public traffic flow and road safety on the MC Road. Download the TOI App.