Uzbekistan has launched a comprehensive national initiative aimed at enhancing road safety and reducing traffic-related deaths.
The program, supported by the “Safe Road and Safe Pedestrian” national foundation, will prioritize upgrading dangerous road segments known for frequent accidents, The Caspian Post reports, citing Uzbek media.
At a recent video conference on road safety and traffic decongestion, it was noted that positive changes are evident in regions where local authorities and traffic departments are working seriously on road infrastructure.
For instance, thanks to the installation of protective barriers along a 6-kilometer stretch of the D-105 Fergana Ring Road near Chust, there have been no fatalities this year - whereas in previous years, up to 10 people died annually on that same stretch.
Following a directive from the President, the condition of roads of international and national significance was reviewed. The assessment revealed that:
- 1,557 km of roads lack concrete and metal safety barriers
- 967 km are missing sidewalks
- 38,000 road signs are absent
In response, the President announced the launch of a national program called “Safe Road”, aimed at reducing traffic accidents through improvements in road infrastructure.
As part of this program:
- The “Safe Road and Safe Pedestrian” Republican Fund will be restructured and placed under the authority of the Cabinet of Ministers.
- Each region will have its own branch of the fund, with 400 billion UZS in funding expected this year from all sources.
- 25% of fines collected through photo and video radar systems will also be directed to the fund and its regional branches.
- The responsibility for road signs, traffic lights, and lane markings, currently held by the Road Patrol Service, will be delegated to regional administrations.
The fund’s activities will be transparent, with participation from regional traffic police heads, road department officials, and members of the public.
The fund’s top priority will be addressing dangerous road segments, including the installation of divider barriers, signs, lighting, pedestrian crossings, and digitizing intersections.
To identify the most problematic areas based on public opinion, an electronic platform will be launched. District governors and internal affairs officials will upload requests and cost estimates for new road signs, pedestrian lanes, and traffic lights to the portal.
Citizens will be able to contribute by adding suggestions, voting on proposed projects, and viewing photo and video updates of completed works - which they can then evaluate.
It was also noted that regions and districts differ in their financial capacities to fund infrastructure improvements. Therefore, the fund will be given authority to allocate financing based on project needs.
District and regional governors will be held personally responsible for the condition and regulation of local roads.
