As the Government of Guyana accelerates the upgrade and expansion of the nation’s road network, it has also intensified its crackdown on overweight trucks which are destroying multi-million-dollar infrastructure long before it reaches its full lifespan. According to Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, the administration’s new weigh-in-motion system is already yielding encouraging results, with most truck operators demonstrating commendable levels of compliance.
Appearing on Starting Point, the minister said he was pleasantly surprised by the industry’s response. “I can tell you it’s working better than I anticipated. I thought we would have had some pushback from the truckers and the owners of the trucks, but it’s always a beautiful thing when you engage people in conversation and they understand what needs to be done,” he shared.
Edghill was keen to note that a critical breakthrough came from proactive engagement with key operators—sand pit, loam pit, and quarry owners—who agreed to stop overloaded trucks at their premises. “They are now part of the solution… The truck was made to carry 30 tons, and you’re not going to leave the site with 45 or 50 tons,” the minister stated, noting that many have already implemented internal checks to enforce this rule.
Edghill also noted that the government deliberately balanced regulation with economic stability in its bid to set new rules for drivers. Updating axle-weight limits without considering industry realities, he said, could have brought transportation and construction to a grinding halt. “The regulation right now is 8.2 tons per axle; we are now putting in 15 tons. If we had gone out with that exercise with 8.2 tons, you would have shut down economic activity in the country. No trucker would have been able to operate.”
The minister admitted that despite the overwhelming cooperation, a few “loose cannons” remain. The ministry, however, continues to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure nationwide compliance and reduce road damage.
To further tighten oversight, Edghill revealed that the government has procured 20 additional weigh-in-motion scales. He also disclosed that 1,000 clamps will arrive before year-end to immobilise trucks found violating the law.