Dakar, Dec 23 (APS) – The Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, requested, in a circular sent to the APS, the “immediate application” of the precautionary measures proposed during the interministerial meeting on prevention and security road transport, held on August 8, 2024, pending the upcoming holding of the States General of Public Transport, the date of which has not yet been determined.
This note from the Prime Minister's Office, addressed to the ministries and services concerned, aims to “implement precautionary measures to strengthen road prevention and safety”, we can read in the document.
These measures, which are of three types, relate to the strengthening of road controls and sanctions; strengthening two-wheeler safety and user protection; And the release of rights-of-way and the preservation of road infrastructure.
Regarding the strengthening of road controls and sanctions for risky behavior, the Prime Minister requested, among other things, the reactivation of the regional commissions for the withdrawal and return of driving licenses, which will ensure the development and transmission to the ministry in charge of Land Transport a monthly report of their work.
In his circular, Ousmane Sonko, also called on the Defense and Security Forces to rigorously apply the sanctions provided for by the Highway Code, particularly on the following offenses: speeding; dangerous overtaking and on the continuous line; excess baggage and cases of mixed transport; excess numbers; certain technical non-conformities relating to the tires, the windshield, the rear window, the mirrors, the headlights and the general condition of the very defective bodywork causing an imbalance of the vehicle.
With regard to strengthening the safety of two-wheelers and the protection of users, the head of government requested the compulsory registration of types of two-wheelers with a cylinder capacity greater than 49 cubic centimeters.
At the same time, he called for systematic sanctions for risky behavior on two wheels, particularly those relating to circulation on sidewalks; failure to respect stop signs, traffic lights and roundabouts; not wearing helmets, among others.
However, Ousmane Sonko reiterated the free registration of two-wheelers already cleared by customs and having a valid registration document, from December 13 for three (03) months.
''The cost of the plate is not affected by said free charge which only takes into account the tax transfer costs,'' he specifies in his circular.
Concerning the release of rights-of-way and the preservation of road infrastructure, the Prime Minister notably asked the services concerned to free the works (bridges and footbridges) from anarchic occupations, including advertising panels erected on the network without authorization.
He also asked for the work of network concessionaires and occupation of rights-of-way to carry out verification of the authorization issued by AGEROUTE before all installation and removal of pipes and occupation of the right-of-way of the classified road network.
Ousmane Sonko also encourages the services concerned to control the total weight, axle load and size of heavy goods transport vehicles.
In this regard, the Prime Minister urged the application of the measures of the road map resulting from the meeting of ministers responsible for infrastructure of the UEMOA, in particular those relating to compliance with the overall tolerance of 15% on authorized weights. , and the application of the fines provided for for any offender.
ABB/ASG
