The government has introduced restrictions on the movement of heavy vehicles and goods transport vehicles during peak morning and midday hours in parts of the Greater Malé Region, in an effort to improve road safety, particularly for schoolchildren and parents.
The Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Transport announced that vehicles used to transport goods exceeding 350 kilograms, along with heavy machinery and vehicles such as trucks, forklifts, cranes and trailers, will be prohibited from using designated roads during specific hours.
Under the new restrictions, these vehicles will not be permitted to operate between 6:00 am and 8:30 am on roads across Malé, excluding Boduthakurufaanu Magu, as well as roads in Hulhumalé, the Sinamalé Bridge and the highway.
A second restriction will apply between 11:30 am and 1:30 pm, covering roads in Malé, except Boduthakurufaanu Magu, along with the Sinamalé Bridge and the highway.
Unlike the morning restriction, the ministry’s announcement does not include Hulhumalé’s internal roads in the midday restriction.
The measures are intended to reduce the movement of large vehicles during periods when roads are particularly busy with students travelling to and from school, parents accompanying their children and other motorists.
The ministry said the decision was taken to create safer and more convenient road conditions for pedestrians and drivers throughout the Greater Malé Region.
Particular emphasis has been placed on protecting students and parents during school opening and closing hours, when pedestrian activity and traffic congestion tend to increase around educational institutions.
The new rules also prohibit the operation of specified heavy vehicles and goods transport activities within school zones during general school arrival and dismissal periods on school days.
The restrictions are expected to affect businesses and transport operators involved in moving commercial goods, construction materials and other heavy loads across the capital and surrounding areas.
Operators using trucks, trailers, forklifts and cranes will need to arrange their transportation schedules around the designated hours to avoid violating the regulations.
The measures come amid longstanding concerns over road congestion and pedestrian safety in the Greater Malé Region, where commercial transportation, private vehicles and motorcycles share limited road space.
In Malé, narrow streets and high traffic volumes can create additional challenges for pedestrians, particularly near schools and busy commercial areas.
The movement of large vehicles through these areas can further restrict road space and create difficulties for other road users, making the timing of heavy vehicle operations an important consideration for traffic management.
The Sinamalé Bridge and highway also serve as major transport connections between Malé, Hulhulé and Hulhumalé, carrying significant volumes of commuter and commercial traffic.
By restricting certain heavy vehicle movements during busy periods, the government aims to reduce potential safety risks while allowing more convenient travel for students, parents and other road users.
The Transport Ministry has instructed operators of affected vehicles to comply with the newly designated hours and plan their activities accordingly.
It also warned that enforcement action will be taken against individuals and businesses found violating the restrictions.
