Governors and Traffic Safety Services must collaborate to improve roads – Mirziyoyev

It was noted that in areas where the Governors and the Traffic Safety Service cooperate seriously on road infrastructure, positive changes are observed. This was announced today, July 9, during a videoconference on ensuring road safety and reducing traffic congestion, chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The meeting reported that, for instance, there were no fatal accidents this year on a six-kilometer stretch of the D-105 Fergana Ring Road—passing through Chust—thanks to the installation of protective barriers. Previously, this section saw an average of 10 deaths annually.

In line with the President’s instructions, the condition of roads of international and national importance was studied. The analysis revealed that 1,557 kilometers of roads lack concrete and steel barriers, 967 kilometers are without sidewalks, and around 38,000 road signs are missing.

In this regard, the President announced the launch of the “Safe Road” national program, aimed at reducing accidents through improved road infrastructure. As part of this initiative, the activities of the Republican Fund “Safe Road and Safe Pedestrians” will be reorganized and placed under the subordination of the Government. The fund will establish dedicated branches in each region.

It was noted that this year, the fund is expected to receive 400 billion soums from various sources. Additionally, 25 percent of the fines collected through photo and video radar systems will be allocated to the fund and its regional branches.

Enterprises responsible for installing road signs and traffic lights, as well as for marking road lines, will also be transferred under the authority of regional administrations.

“The fund’s activities will be transparent, and its board will include the heads of regional traffic police and road departments, as well as representatives from civil society,” stated Presidential Spokesperson Sherzod Asadov.

It was also noted that, moving forward, the fund’s resources will be primarily allocated to addressing dangerous sections with frequent accidents by installing protective barriers, road signs, lighting, pedestrian crossings, and digitizing intersections.

It should be recalled that earlier it was reported that 61 trillion soums had been allocated for the construction and repair of roads in Uzbekistan over the past seven years.