Heavy Vehicles Restricted in Greater Male’ During Peak Hours to Curb Traffic Congestion

The Ministry of Economic Development, Transport and Trade has announced new traffic restrictions prohibiting heavy vehicles and cargo trucks from operating in the Greater Male’ area during specified peak hours, aiming to reduce road congestion and enhance pedestrian and commuter safety.

The regulation targets heavy machinery, including forklifts, heavy trucks, cranes, and trailers, as well as light cargo vehicles carrying loads over 350 kilograms.

Under the new directives, cargo and heavy vehicles will be barred from operating during two primary time windows:

Morning Peak: From 06:00 to 08:30
Midday Peak: From 11:30 to 13:30

The restrictions apply to all roads across Male’—with the exception of Boduthakurufaanu Magu, the capital’s ring road—as well as the entire road network in Hulhumale, the Sinamale Bridge, and the connecting highway.

In addition, the ministry has instituted a total ban on the operation of heavy vehicles and the loading or unloading of goods within designated school zones during school opening and closing hours on active school days.

The Ministry emphasized that the measure is intended to create a safer environment for residents and streamline traffic flow during peak commuting periods. Authorities confirmed that drivers and operators violating the new rules will face legal action under the Land Transport Act.