The recurring fatal accidents involving overloaded tipper lorries in Kerala have once again highlighted the need to clamp down on overloading, ensure the roadworthiness of goods carriers, and tighten the licensing process for heavy vehicle drivers, say various stakeholders.

Three persons were killed at Nileshwaram in Kottarakkara a few days ago when an overspeeding tipper lorry crashed into a bus stop and a motorcycle. It was later found that the vehicle’s rear tyres were worn out and that it was carrying more than twice the permitted load. It also emerged that the driver responsible for the accident was inexperienced and did not possess a heavy vehicle driving licence.

“This is a clear case of driver incompetence and lack of experience,” said Sibi Mathai, who has conducted research in road safety and behavioural psychology. “The licensing system in India permits anyone who obtains a Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) licence by driving an 800cc car to drive a tipper lorry carrying 7.5 tonnes of load or more. It is high time the Motor Vehicles department (MVD) insisted that drivers of school buses and lorries have a minimum of three years of driving experience, apart from practical training in handling such vehicles. With the MVD being short-staffed, the fitness of commercial vehicles should be certified by authorised workshops, as is done in Europe,” he said.

He added that vehicles older than 15 years should not be allowed to operate as school buses or goods carriers. Older vehicles often have serious issues with their braking systems, suspension and chassis, compounded by worn-out tyres, he said.

Attributing the recurring tipper lorry accidents to an “unholy nexus” between tipper and lorry operators and enforcement personnel, K.A. Anoop, president of the All Kerala Truck Owners’ Association, expressed dismay that MVD and police officials were not taking deterrent action, such as suspending the driving licences and permits of tipper lorries and other goods carriers found carrying overloads.

“The Kerala High Court had directed action against such vehicles in 2019. With the MVD and police doing little, the Association filed a contempt petition. None of the more than a dozen High Court orders that followed has been implemented. As a result, dangerously overloaded goods carriers continue to ply freely, even on roads near RTO offices and District Police Chiefs’ offices,” Mr. Anoop said.

Transport Commissioner Nagaraju C. said efforts were being made to curb such violations. “Most of the MVD’s 950 uniformed enforcement personnel are engaged in issuing driving licences and vehicle fitness certificates. Their strength needs to be increased to effectively enforce the rules, especially since the number of vehicles registered in Kerala is expected to cross two crore in 2027. There is also a need for portable sensor-based weighbridges to deter overloading,” he said.