Guest of the program “En Vérité” on Radio Sénégal International (RSI) yesterday Sunday, the Minister of Infrastructure and Land and Air Transport, Yankhoba Diémé, addressed several current issues relating to road safety, reforms in the transport sector.
One of the main concerns addressed by the minister was the regulation of motorcycles, a widely used means of transport across the country, particularly in urban areas like Dakar. Mr. Diémé stressed that the objective is not to ban motorcycles, but to organize them in order to guarantee road safety.
He recalled that these two wheels, although constituting a major economic issue, particularly for many young people, are responsible for a significant share of traffic accidents. Indeed, nearly 23% of deaths due to road accidents are linked to motorcycles, according to the minister.
The introduction of a registration system, strict enforcement of the highway code (traffic lights, wearing of helmets, speed limits) and an awareness program will be at the heart of this reform.
Mr. Diémé specified that free registration measures would be applied for three months, but that all of the new rules come into force immediately after the publication of the circular.
The Minister of Transport also welcomed the commitment of the two-wheeler drivers’ unions, emphasizing the importance of this reform for the safety of citizens. He insisted on the need to organize two-wheelers, considered as transport of the future.
“Introduce road safety education from an early age”
As for the fight against corruption in the traffic sector, the minister spoke of collaboration with the Ministry of the Interior to eradicate this phenomenon. Although he indicated that specific measures will be made public by the latter, he insisted on the need to strengthen road discipline.
He also announced initiatives aimed at introducing road safety education from an early age, in partnership with the Ministry of National Education.
Another major reform to come is the complete overhaul of the driving license system, planned for 2025. The minister confirmed the introduction of a points-based license, stressing that consultations with stakeholders in the sector are already advanced. This reform aims to make the driving license issuing process more secure, with stricter control measures at every stage, from driving school to the exam.
With RTS.sn
Health
