Show no leniency or compromise

I REFER to the report “Heavy problem” ( The Star, Oct 13) on lorry operators’ calling for leniency on Land Public Transport Commission’s (SPAD) rules on overloaded lorries.

As a frequent road user myself, I wholeheartedly agree with SPAD’s limit on the permitted load of lorries and commend the commission for its unbending position in enforcing those rules.

Any law that puts public safety first should not be compromised, especially on Malaysian roads that have proven to be particularly hazardous. SPAD should stick to its strict stance and leave no room for errant lorry operators and drivers to bargain on the price of safety.

Even more so, rules should act as a deterrent for negative behaviour and not as a starting point for negotiation, as sought by the lorry operators. It has been shown, many times over, how overloaded lorries can pose catastrophic danger to road users.

Lorries exceeding weight limits also cause structural damage to public roads, which, as the name suggests, are roads paid for by the public.

As taxpayers, we should not and do not want to be burdened by the cost of repairs on roads damaged by commercial vehicles.

The restrictions on lorry loads are implemented the world over, and not just in Malaysia. ERIC BOON Kuala Lumpur