Beijing poses heavier fines for overloaded vehicles

Overweight trucks passing through Beijing will soon face a tougher fine system that charges an extra 100 yuan (US$14.65) for follow-up offences, the traffic management bureau announced. The new rule is a continuation of a local authority campaign against illegally overloaded trucks operating inside the city, most of which are transporting groceries, fresh flowers and furniture to and from other regions. Although the trucks keep many local logistics firms alive, traffic authorities view them as a potential road hazard for Beijing. Drivers of these trucks often break the city’s traffic rules by entering downtown areas to cut costs. Authorities previously charged 200 yuan (US$29.30) for one offense, but made no further punishment if the driver continued to run illegally in Beijing on the same trip. Under the new rule, traffic police can charge drivers an additional 100 yuan if they break the ban on the same trip, or do not immediately leave the restricted area. (April 14, 2010)