Muscat – All transport vehicles registered in Oman and those entering the sultanate’s borders will have to instal tracking devices as per a new decision of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology.

H E Said bin Hamoud al Ma’awali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, has issued a ministerial decision (No 47/2023) amending some provisions of the executive regulations of the Land Transport Law.

The decision was issued on February 13 and came into effect a day following its publication in the Official Gazette.

As per the decision, all types of land transport vehicles that are not registered in the sultanate must instal tracking devices – through authorities sanctioned by the ministry – when entering Oman or crossing its territory.

The decision also mandates installation of a tracking system in every truck registered in the sultanate.

Additionally, the decision mandates the need for truck drivers to abide by the time and traffic routes for truck specified by the ministry.

According to the decision, a fine of RO400 will be slapped on any individual who instals a tracking device without approval from the ministry. The fine will be doubled in the event of a repeat violation. ‘In case it is repeated a third time, the licence will be revoked,’ it stated.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, Dr Mohammad Majid al Kasbi, director of Environment Authority’s Department of Chemical Materials, said, “The decision is very important to ensure owners of transport vehicles instal In Vehicle Monitoring System (IVMS) devices. It will reduce illegal dumping of construction waste.”

According to Kasbi, the decision will curb the practice of random dumping of construction waste in undesignated and residential areas and monitor trucks while transporting waste.

“It also aims to facilitate the private sector manage this waste, recycle and benefit from it economically, and take legal measures against violators.”

The new decision will help be’ah dispose waste in the appropriate way, besides generating data on the amount and type of waste. “This will help in re-sorting waste and finding integrated solutions for its management and recycling. The decision will also limit the smuggling and transportation of hazardous chemicals and waste outside the sultanate,” Kasbi added.