Lawmakers back updated highways legislation to ensure road safety

The lawmakers said that despite large-scale efforts to develop road infrastructure in recent years, existing legislation no longer fully meets current requirements.

The updated law is designed to support the development of the road network, set clear rules for its use, and align sector regulation with modern standards. It also outlines key principles for the highways sector, including evidence-based planning, transparent decision-making, and ensuring road safety without harming the environment, while guaranteeing equal access to roads for all citizens.

The law allows for both free and toll roads, subject to established procedures, and designates the Committee for Roads under the Ministry of Transport as the authorized body for the sector.

It also strengthens safety rules by banning artificial obstacles and uneven road surfaces and by requiring special permits for heavy and oversized vehicles.

In addition, the legislation regulates toll road operations, public-private partnership financing, automated toll collection, and contractual relations between users and operators.

Senators said the law would help preserve road infrastructure, improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and lower the number of road accidents.