Ministry of Infrastructure has revised the Road Traffic and Safety Act to reduce tragic loss of lives and property.

This was said by the Minister of Infrastructure Eng. Linda Bihire during an exclusive interview with Business Times.

It was reported that since January to September this year about 1704 accidents were registered while last year over 300 people died in 2,511 accidents that were recorded countrywide.

Bihire said that the existing law has a big gap that is needed to be addressed in the revised act.

According to Bihire the revised act targets to ensure improved safety for passengers and goods. Some of the elements to be considered in the revised act include, establish formal driving schools and standards.

The schools shall be licensed with an emphasis on the instructor to improve the quality of driving.

Others will be heavy penalties on drunken drivers and deduction of points on driving permits. The points will be reduced from the permit and eventually be taken from the holder.

Bihire said that the Ministry is also drafting road safety education policy that will be introduced and taught in schools.

"We hope that schools will be our partners and play a key role in the move to improve road safety,” she emphasised.

In the similar move, the ministry will also install traffic signals, increase use of humps and road signs like speed limit and sharp corners.

"In general the ministry wants a safer system strategy with safer roads, vehicles and safer behaviour,” Bihire added.

According to a report issued by the National Police recently there is an increase by 3.6 percent of road related accidents in the three months of July, August and September in which 715 cases were registered.

With 80 percent of transport being by roads, major contributors of road accidents include careless driving, over-speeding and drunken driving.

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