Breaking News: Traffic Measures for the Summer Season Sent to All 81 Provinces
According to the latest news, the Ministry of Interior has issued a new directive to the governorates of all 81 provinces regarding traffic measures for the summer season. The circular covers the period from June 1, 2020 to October 1, 2020 and emphasizes strict monitoring of public transportation and buses, limiting occupancy to 50% and enforcing mask use. During this period, traffic inspections will also pay close attention to compliance with social distancing rules.
The directive sent to provincial governorates notes that when inspections have been intensified in the past, the number of fatal traffic accidents decreased, while periods with fewer inspections saw an increase in fatalities. The circular highlights the importance of traffic officers being visible, either in vehicles or on foot, particularly on intercity and urban main routes as a deterrent and enforcement measure. Unlike previous years, the 2020 Summer Traffic Measures for the period June 1, 2020 – October 1, 2020 are specifically attached and will be applied across all 81 provinces.
What Does the Summer Traffic Measures Circular Sent to All 81 Provinces Include?
Presented as a breaking announcement, the new circular sent to provincial governorates across all 81 provinces outlines several measures. The main points of the circular are summarized below.
Social Distancing Will Be Given Extra Emphasis During Inspections
As social isolation reduces the number of vehicles on city and intercity main roads, an increase in driving speeds may occur. Speed checks will therefore be reinforced, along with stricter enforcement of seat belt use, prohibition of mobile phone use while driving, and improper lane usage. Social distancing will be monitored as part of these inspections. In city and intercity public transport vehicles, occupancy will be limited to 50% and mask usage will be enforced.
Mixed Inspection Teams Will Be Formed
For certain traffic-control operations, police and gendarmerie traffic units will be combined as needed, pooling their resources and capabilities. This coordinated approach aims to inspect a high number of vehicles continuously and effectively. Simultaneous checks by traffic police and gendarmerie traffic teams will be maintained on intercity routes, urban roads, and village roads to ensure broad and sustained enforcement.
Traffic Teams Will Be Visible
Traffic teams will be positioned visibly in areas with higher accident risk to increase the perceived likelihood of being caught and thus deter risky behavior. To support this objective, on weekends, official vehicles from administrative units—with their personnel—will be deployed at key points both stationary and in transit.
Inspections Will Increase in July and August
As the impact of the coronavirus pandemic lessens and the holiday season begins, private travel is expected to rise during July and August. In response, inspections will be intensified during these months to maintain road safety and public health measures.