PRACTICAL ISSUES OF OVER-SIZE/OVER-WEIGHT VEHICLES PERMIT SYSTEM IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Abstract

 The permit system for special vehicles (oversized and overweighted vehicles) that exceed the prescribed length and total weight limits requires a complicated approval process, and obtaining permission takes a considerable amount of time. Indeed, it takes 28.5 days on average. This places a significant burden on both transport operators and road managers, making improvements an urgent issue. In this study, we conducted a survey on the special vehicle administration targeting prefectures responsible for registrating and updating the road information handbook and reviewing permits. Additionally, we conducted interviews with administrative scriveners who handle permit applications and transport operators as related stakeholders. The results revealed inadequate staffing for managing the inclusion of municipal road information in the handbook, which corresponds to the last mile. Furthermore, we identified this issue as a social dilemma and proposed effective improvement measures.