Editor's Review

The proposed regulations target materials such as sand, gravel, crushed stone, ore, salt, waste and shredded scrap metal.

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has introduced new proposals aimed at enhancing road safety by tightening regulations on loading and cargo securement for heavy commercial vehicles.

In a statement on Wednesday, January 29, NTSA announced that all cargo transported by heavy commercial vehicles must be properly contained, covered, immobilized or secured to prevent leakage, spillage or dislodgement during transit.

The proposed regulations specifically target materials such as sand, gravel, crushed stone, ore, salt, waste and shredded scrap metal.

“The covering must be made of tarpaulin, canvas, wire mesh, netting, or any other material capable of containing the load within the vehicle or container. Additionally, it must be fastened in a way that prevents it from separating from the vehicle,” the statement read.

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File image of police officers during a traffic stop

This comes two days after NTSA proposed eight mandatory requirements for all commercial service vehicles.

In a statement on Monday, January 27, NTSA disclosed that all commercial service vehicles shall have at minimum a third-party insurance cover as well as a valid vehicle inspection certificate.

Similarly, the vehicles are required to have installed a speed limiter conforming to the applicable Kenyan Standard as stipulated by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KBS).

NTSA further indicated that all commercial vehicles shall have an installed vehicular telematic system conforming to the applicable 6 Kenyan standards as stipulated by the KBS.

Additionally, the authority noted that the vehicles must have retro-reflective contour markings with a minimum width of two inches that conform to the applicable Kenyan Standard as stipulated by the KBS.

They shall also carry an efficient fire extinguisher that is maintained in perfect order and be carried in such a position to be readily available for use at any time, as well as a first-aid outfit sufficient to deal with any reasonable emergency.

NTSA added that the vehicles must have installed underride protection devices on the rear and side of commercial vehicles where applicable.