MUSCAT -- Trucking companies their operations hamstrung by peak-hour restrictions on heavy vehicles, bottlenecks caused by ongoing road works and overall congestion -- have welcomed measures by Oman's authorities to ease their plight. With effect from August 1, trucks not exceeding 25 tonnes (combined weight of truck, trailer and cargo) have been permitted use of bridges within the capital area as they ply to and from Port Sultan Qaboos.

The gesture has been welcomed by trucking companies, who have long complained that traffic restrictions and bottlenecks have significantly constrained truck turnarounds, consequently hurting operational efficiency and revenue earnings. As a result of these curbs, trucks operating to and from the port can only make a single round trip per day, as against the norm of two round trips in the past. To offset the consequent loss of revenue, many trucking companies have increased their fares by an average of 10-15 per cent, it is learnt.

Concerned that the hurdles faced by trucking companies would have an impact on the availability of essential goods within and outside the city, the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI)Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) recently discussed the issue with the authorities concerned. OCCIOCCI Chairman Khalil bin Abdullah al Khonji told representatives of major traders and retailers on Tuesday, that he had recently met with Saud bin Ahmed al Nahari, CEO of Port Services Corporation (PSC)Port Services Corporation (PSC), which operates and manages Port Sultan Qaboos, in this regard.

Al Khonji said the port authorities have pledged steps to speed up delivery of cargo and the turnaround of trucks at the port. PSCPSC also promised to explore the potential for creating storage space outside the port to facilitate the speedier delivery of goods, he added. Most importantly, 25-tonne trucks armed with special permits are now authorised to use flyovers in the city when shuttling between the port and their destination. This gesture, Al Khonji said, would enable truckers to make a second trip per day.

Truckers say the stipulated 25-tonne limit includes the weight of the truck and trailer. In effect, only heavy vehicles with a maximum cargo payload of around 10 tonnes can take advantage of this measure. The majority of trucks, particularly those carrying 40-foot containers, are effectively excluded from this gesture.

Nevertheless, the opening of flyovers and bridges to 25-tonne trucks affords a measure of consolation to the beleaguered truckers, it is pointed out. Moreover, the city's roads continue to remain off-bounds to heavy vehicles during peak hours on weekdays: 6.30 am to 9 am and 2 pm to 3.30 pm. In this regard, the OCCIOCCI Chairman promised to seek a reduction in these timings, primarily with a view to ensuring that essential goods and foodstuffs are freely available during the holy month of Ramadhan.

By Conrad Prabhu

© Oman Daily Observer 2008

 

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