Nongpoh, Sep 9: The Deputy Commissioner of Ri-Bhoi today convened a meeting with representatives of the Meghalaya Commercial Truck Owners and Drivers Association (MCTODA) to discuss the growing difficulties faced by truck owners and drivers due to the lack of designated parking and layby facilities along National Highway 6 in Ri-Bhoi.
The issue has become increasingly serious following restrictions on heavy vehicles from stopping along the roadside in the interest of public safety and smooth traffic movement. According to MCTODA, the absence of adequate designated parking areas has left truck drivers with very limited options when they need to stop due to fatigue, illness or mechanical problems.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, MCTODA chairman Mosklandar Marngar said the association had apprised the DC of the difficulties being faced by truck drivers travelling through Ri-Bhoi.
He said that while restrictions on roadside parking were intended to reduce accidents and ensure road safety, the lack of alternative parking facilities was creating additional risks for truck drivers. Drivers are often compelled to continue driving despite exhaustion or health problems because stopping on the roadside could result in penalties or their vehicles being towed away by the authorities.
Following the discussions, it was decided that a joint inspection of potential sites for developing truck lay-bys would be conducted along the highway in consultation with MCTODA representatives. The objective is to identify suitable locations that can be developed into designated parking areas at the earliest.
“The matter is urgent and cannot be allowed to remain pending for long. If there is a shortage of funds, we are ready to extend our support because the difficulties faced by truck drivers have reached a critical stage,” Marngar said.
