Fatal crashes with overloaded tipper lorries in Kerala spark fresh demands for tighter vehicle licensing and road safety rules. Just days ago in Nileshwaram, Kottarakkara,a speeding tipper slammed into a bus stop and a motorcycle,killing three. Investigators found it carried over twice its allowed load,with bald rear tyres. Driver lacked heavy vehicle licence. Inexperienced.
Sibi Mathai,researcher in road safety and behavioral psychology,stressed urgent licensing reform. He noted current rules let anyone with a Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) licence—earned by driving an 800cc car—operate heavy lorries carrying 7.5 tonnes or more. "Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) must demand at least three years' experience for school bus and lorry drivers,plus practical training," Mathai urged.
He also advised banning vehicles over 15 years old from being school buses or goods carriers,due to brake,suspension and safety issues. “Older vehicles often have serious problems made worse by worn-out tyres,” he noted.
K.A. Anoop,head of All Kerala Truck Owners’ Association,blamed frequent crashes on a dangerous alliance between tipper operators and enforcement officials. He slammed MVD and police for inaction against overloaded trucks. “Kerala High Court ordered action in 2019. With MVD and police idle,Association filed a contempt petition. None of the dozen-plus High Court orders followed have been enforced,” Anoop lamented. He was frustrated that dangerously overloaded trucks still roam freely,even near RTO and District Police Chiefs’ offices.
Transport Commissioner Nagaraju C. admitted struggles in enforcing rules. He said most of MVD’s 950 personnel focus on issuing licences and fitness certificates. “Their numbers need boosting to enforce rules properly,especially as registered vehicles in Kerala could hit two crore by 2027,” he stated. Nagaraju also stressed need for portable sensor-based weighbridges to curb overloading .
These ongoing crashes with overloaded tipper lorries are ringing alarm bells on road safety in Kerala. Stakeholders want swift action to stop more tragedies,insisting that better enforcement and revamped licensing are key to safer roads…
