The Pessene Load Control Centre (LCC) in Mozambique was officially opened on Wednesday, 28 October 2015.

It is the 10th weighbridge managed by TRAC, on or near the Maputo Corridor, and operates 24/7. The self-sufficient facility uses solar power and runs independently of the Mozambican power grid. Its dedicated lane for heavy vehicles ensures that these vehicles are directed into the weighing facility.

Pessene will serve to curb overloading on the EN4 between Moamba and Maputo, with overloaded vehicles kept in a holding area until they can reduce their load to within legal limits. Fines are issued by local law enforcement.

A biometric control (finger print scanning) system ensures that only people registered on the system can weigh and release a vehicle. Dual authority is required when the system has to be overridden, which is verified by the biometrics of the users. For audit purposes, all vehicles are screened upon departure – by driving over weigh-in-motion (WIM) devices at the exit of the weighbridge.

The legislated load per truck axle in Mozambique is eight tonnes and the total legal payload 56 tonnes. However, trucks with loads of up to 65 tonnes and axle loads of 16 tonnes are frequently stopped. TRAC has rebuilt the section of road between Moamba and Matola twice due to damage from overloading.

According to TRAC CEO, Graham Esterhuysen, the concessionaire will continue its endeavour to improve the EN4 through several upcoming projects in Mozambique. “These projects include the expansion of the road from Shoprite in Matola to the N1/N4 interchange, Moamba Plaza and also the rehabilitation of the section between the Moamba Toll Plaza and Ressano Garcia,” he says.