RI-BHOI : The Meghalaya Commercial Truck Owners and Drivers Association (MCTODA) has sought government intervention over the difficulties faced by truck owners and drivers travelling through Ri-Bhoi district, particularly due to the lack of proper truck parking areas and lay-bys.
The Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner on Thursday held a meeting with representatives of MCTODA following concerns raised by the association over the difficulties faced by truck drivers after entering the district.
The association said the absence of designated parking areas has become a major problem, particularly after restrictions were imposed on heavy vehicles stopping along roadsides in the interest of public safety.
Speaking to the media, MCTODA chairman Mosklandar Marngar said the Deputy Commissioner called the association for discussions following the difficulties faced by truck drivers regarding parking facilities along the Ri-Bhoi stretch.
According to Marngar, truck drivers often become anxious once they enter Ri-Bhoi because they have limited options to stop their vehicles. He said drivers may need to stop because of vehicle breakdowns, illness or exhaustion, but are unable to park along the roadside because of the restrictions.
He said the restrictions were introduced to reduce road accidents, but the lack of designated parking facilities could instead create additional risks.
Marngar said truck drivers are sometimes forced to continue driving despite being physically exhausted because stopping along the roadside could result in police action and fines.
He stressed that drivers need safe and designated places to rest, particularly when travelling long distances.
The MCTODA chairman said the association is willing to work with the government to find a solution to the problem.
He further said that if the government faces financial constraints in developing adequate parking facilities, the association is even prepared to contribute from its own funds to support the initiative.
Marngar stressed that the issue requires an urgent solution as truck drivers cannot continue facing prolonged difficulties due to the lack of proper parking and resting facilities along the highway.