New restrictions limit heavy-vehicle movement in Male' city area during school rush hours

Heavy vehicles have been banned from driving near schools in the Male' area during school start and end times, in a move aimed at improving the safety of school children and parents.

The Ministry of Economic Development, Transport & Trade said in a statement on Thursday that special measures are being taken to make roads in Male' safer and easier for pedestrians and motorists.

The ministry has prohibited the movement of heavy vehicles and goods-carrying vehicles near schools during rush hours. According to the notice, such vehicles are banned from driving between 06:00 am and 08:30 am, and again from 11:30 am to 01:30 pm. Goods vehicles weighing more than 350 kilograms, along with forklifts, trucks, cranes and trailers, are prohibited from operating during these hours. Driving is banned on inner streets of Male', Hulhumale' streets, the Sinamale' Bridge and the Highway.

The ministry urged drivers to fully comply with the notice and observe the restricted hours. It also warned that action will be taken under the Road Traffic Act against those who violate the order. Last Tuesday, Transport Minister Mohamed Saeed said efforts were underway to restrict heavy-vehicle movement during specific hours, noting that the ministry has been in discussions with businesses for four months to set designated driving times. The city remains heavily congested, and driving alongside large vehicles during rush hour poses significant risks. Past accidents involving such vehicles have highlighted the danger.