In the fight against overloaded trucks, law enforcement authorities and weighbridge operators are using portable weighing systems to pre-screen vehicles as they approach static weighbridges on major routes and/or traverse provincial roads in the course of duty. 

A leading supplier of portable weighing technology is Mikros Systems which has equipped traffic enforcers around the country with its MASS5000 portable weigh-in-motion (WIM) system as a ‘pre-screening’ device. 

“This enables traffic officials to divert only the overloaded vehicles to their static weighbridge, increasing the effectiveness of their enforcement,” says Mikros Systems’ Rob Sik. “By being prescreened, the legal operators also save valuable time, usually spent waiting in long queues at the static weigh bridge.” 

The MASS5000 system is a portable weigh in motions system that measures axle and GVM weights accurately and quickly, explains Sik. “The system is packed in a fully equipped trailer, ready to weigh anywhere, any time, on any solid flat surface. Escape routes and secondary roads can now be monitored and only the overloaded vehicles will be rerouted to the weigh bridges.” 

Mikros Systems developed the original VLM (Vehicle Load Monitor) in collaboration with the CSIR, adds Sik. “The new MASS5000 system uses modern low-profile load cells and is the ideal system for fleet owners to measure their vehicles accurately in less than 10 seconds. Not only will this ensure that the vehicles are optimally loaded, but that they are fully legal. The MASS5000, permanently installed at an in-out operation will increase the effectiveness of their vehicle weighing. A complete system solution is offered with impressive management software included.” 

With road damage caused by overloaded trucks being as high as 60 percent (as estimated by the CSIR in 1999), it is in the national interest that operators proactively monitor and manage the load mass on every vehicle. Employing a portable weighbridge is a sure-fire way of optimising payload, ensuring legal mass compliance and preserving the road network. 

“Mikros Systems is keen to help law enforcers, and any other parties concerned with the battle against deliberate road abusers. This will not only benefit the Road Industry, but the Road Freight Industry by ensuring fair business practice in this very competitive market,” Sik concludes.