KIGALI - The Traffic police boss, Vicent Sano, has announced that various measures are being explored to ensure effective management of traffic across the country.
Speaking to The New Times, Sano said that among the changes road users will see, is the replacement of traffic lights with roundabouts.

"Traffic lights are like robots, there are times when they stop drivers yet there is no on-coming vehicle,” he said. "In this modern world, roundabouts help a lot in traffic control management, including reducing traffic jam, keeping time and reducing possible accidents.”

The construction of a modern roundabout has already started at Kisementi, near Chez Lando Hotel and according to the traffic police chief, similar changes will take place in Nyabugogo, Kabuga and in Huye district.

According to Sano, once the construction is complete, the heavy traffic on these roads will be reduced, especially during rush hour. He added that establishing alternative routes is another measure being considered to reduce traffic jam.

"What we are doing is improvising all possible ways to reduce traffic jam, road accidents and saving time. Time keeping is a crucial element in the development of a country,” he said.

Research has shown that modern roundabouts increase efficient traffic flow by up to 50 percent, and decrease fuel consumption by 30 percent.

Modern roundabouts are also cost-effective compared to the traffic lights that consume electricity 24 hours, and require expensive maintenance costs.

Ends