Algiers – Algeria’s proposed traffic law reforms were presented before the National People’s Assembly’s Transportation and Telecommunications Committee yesterday, signaling a significant step towards bolstering road safety across the nation.
Minister of Interior, Local Authorities, and Transportation, Said Saayoud, emphasized that this legislative initiative stems directly from President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s directives to eradicate road insecurity and cultivate a safer driving environment. The Minister highlighted that the bill delivers on the President’s commitment to safeguarding citizens and public/private property, further addressing recommendations from governmental meetings focused on reducing road fatalities and severe injuries.
The proposed law, encompassing 190 articles within 10 chapters, aims to modernize traffic management in line with the increasing number of vehicles and infrastructure developments. It seeks to minimize accidents, enhance road safety awareness, and implement stricter penalties for serious violations to protect lives and property.
A key focus of the reforms is the human element, encompassing drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. The bill introduces stringent measures against behaviors that contravene traffic regulations. Revisions to the processes for obtaining driving licenses and professional competency certificates, as well as the employment criteria for professional drivers, are also included.
The new measures also include promoting civic responsibility by encouraging the reporting of violations, ensuring vehicle spare parts meet required standards, involving civil society in promoting road safety awareness, and establishing local cells to monitor high-risk areas on roads, reporting directly to municipal council leaders.
