Criteria for Evaluation of Truck Weight Enforcement Programs

TRB's National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) has released Synthesis 82: Criteria for Evaluation of Truck Weight Enforcement Programs. The purpose of a truck weighing program is to enforce legal load limits and thus prevent trucks from damaging highways and bridges. Essential to truck weight enforcement is the effective combination and deployment of the various types of scales (permanent, portable and semiportable). Each state needs to evaluate its truck weight enforcement program, beginning with cooperation within and among agencies involved. Each state needs to determine the most effective enforcement procedures possible under the law in light of the existing facilities and available personnel and with minimal expenditures for additional facilities and equipment. Long range goals are also necessary along with methods for measuring the effectiveness of truck weight enforcement programs. Weight law enforcement is similar to speed enforcement: violators will be deterred as long as enforcement is consistent and effective.