Senate approves new law banning unauthorized road barriers and uneven surfaces

During a plenary session held on April 7, the Senate of Oliy Majlis discussed and approved a new version of the Law on Roads. The updated legislation places a primary focus on enhancing traffic safety and modernizing the regulatory framework of the country's transport infrastructure to meet contemporary international standards.

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A key provision of the new law is the strict prohibition of creating artificial barriers and uneven surfaces on roads. Additionally, the movement of heavy-weight and oversized vehicles will now be strictly regulated, requiring specialized permits to operate on public thoroughfares. Qutbiddin Burkhonov, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defense and Security Issues, emphasized that these norms are essential for preserving the integrity of road surfaces, reducing the frequency of traffic accidents, and ultimately protecting human lives.

The necessity for these reforms is underscored by the rapid growth of the logistics sector. Currently, approximately 1.4 billion tons of cargo – representing 91% of all freight in Uzbekistan – are transported via roads. Projections suggest this figure will rise by 36% to reach 1.9 billion tons by 2030, necessitating a more robust and scientifically managed road network.

Under the new law, the Committee for Roads under the Ministry of Transport is designated as the specially authorized state body in the field. The legislation also clearly defines and harmonizes the powers of the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Road Traffic Safety Service. This unified system is intended to eliminate institutional overlaps and ensure clear lines of accountability in state policy.

In his address to the session, Qutbiddin Burkhonov noted that the law establishes fundamental principles such as transparency in decision-making, environmental protection, and the requirement that road designs be based on rigorous scientific calculations. He further highlighted that the development of the document involved studying the advanced experiences of countries including Kazakhstan, South Korea, China, France, and Italy.

The previous Law on Roads was adopted in 2007 and had long been considered outdated. In May 2025, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev pointed out that the existing regulations failed to reflect recent reforms and modern challenges. The new version addresses these gaps by mandating that road planning must now take into account public opinion, environmental impact, and the creation of an "unimpeded environment" for pedestrians. Following its passage through the Legislative Chamber in late 2025, the Senate’s approval marks the final legislative step toward implementation.