PNG Road Fund Strengthens Highway Enforcement Through Highlands Highway Surveillance Program
The PNG Road Fund (PNGRF) has delivered a brand-new 15-seater Toyota Hiace bus to the Road Traffic Authority’s (RTA) Momase Regional Office as part of the Highlands Highway Surveillance Program (HHSP).
This assistance reflects PNGRF’s mandate under Section 54 of the Road (Management and Funding) Act 2020, which allows the Road Fund to provide financial and operational support to agencies involved in functions that protect national road assets. Under this provision, PNGRF may assist institutions whose work contributes directly to the sustainability, safety and preservation of the national road network.
The HHSP is a joint initiative between PNGRF and RTA designed to improve surveillance, strengthen enforcement visibility and support accurate data collection along the Highlands Highway. The program focuses on asset protection, ensuring that the significant investments made into the Highway are safeguarded through better monitoring of axle loads, identification of road-safety issues, and early detection of risks that lead to premature pavement failure.
Through this support, RTA officers in Lae will be better equipped to conduct axle-load enforcement, compliance checks, vehicle standards monitoring and road-safety patrols along the corridor. These functions are essential in protecting both the travelling public and the long-term integrity of the Highlands Highway.
PNGRF and RTA operate under different pieces of legislation, but their roles are complementary.
- PNGRF manages road-related charges and ensures their responsible application for road maintenance and network sustainability.
- RTA enforces the rules that protect the pavement and road users.
The Highlands Highway Surveillance Program brings these functions together on the ground, creating a stronger, practical partnership for the benefit of all road users.
PNGRF remains committed to protecting national road infrastructure and ensuring that investments made under the Connect PNG Program are preserved for future generations. Supporting the Road Traffic Authority through the HHSP is an important part of fulfilling that responsibility.