Belarus. The temporary axle loads restrictions for the heavy goods vehicles driving by the motorways, effective from May 20, 2014.

In accordance with the Decree №12 dated May 6, 2014 of the Republic of Belarus’ Ministry of Transport and Communications, the temporary axle loads restrictions for the heavy goods vehicles driving by the motorways roads of Belarus will be effective from May 20 to August 31, 2014.

Thus, as from May 20, 2014 during the daytime (from 11.00h a.m. to 09.00h p.m. inclusive) when the air temperature exceeds +25°C the traffic on the Republican highways with asphaltic concrete pavement will be limited for the vehicles with the load on the single axle more than 6t. The traffic of the above-mentioned vehicles will be allowed from 09.00h p.m. to 11.00h a.m. The temporary restrictions do not apply to the carriage of passengers, live animals, flowers, humanitarian aid, concrete and asphalt mixes, road bitumen, dangerous and perishable goods, grain, animal feed. Moreover, it concerns traffic related to the prevention or elimination of emergency situations. The list of exceptions also includes the vehicles used for the maintenance, repair and upgrading of the highways.

This year the loads restrictions shall not apply to vehicles that transport goods requiring mandatory escort as prescribed by the legislation, as well as road transport, involved in the transportation of animal waste for disposal and/or recycling.

The above-mentioned restrictions are signposted on the highways with the temporary traffic signs. The parking spaces are defined for the vehicles subject to the restrictions. The traffic of the heavy weight vehicles will be constantly monitored. Therefore the traffic restrictions’ violators, guilty in the road damage, will be punished in accordance with the law.