The Tashkent city administration is planning to implement significant changes in road traffic organization. This was reported by Upl.uz.
These changes are aimed at accelerating traffic flow and enhancing safety. This was announced by Elmurod Alimov, deputy head of the Tashkent city traffic safety department, at a meeting of city council deputies.
According to the proposed changes, the maximum speed limit on five major streets in the city center will be raised to 80 kilometers per hour. These streets are Bunyodkor, Sebzar, Ahmad Donish, Tashkent Ring Road, and Yangi O‘zbekiston.
This decision means the cancellation of the 60 kilometers per hour limit introduced in April 2023. At that time, the speed limit within the city was reduced from 70 to 60.
However, there are concerns as some streets are dangerous for pedestrians. For example, the reconstruction of Ahmad Donish Street has resulted in a loss of convenience for pedestrians.
Additionally, in 2023, a dangerous informal pedestrian crossing on Bunyodkor Avenue was closed, and a pedestrian was killed at that location a month later. Therefore, critical opinions have been expressed that increasing the speed may lead to an increase in road traffic accidents.
Furthermore, it is planned to introduce one-way traffic on 12 streets in the city center. These measures are aimed at reducing congestion and road traffic accidents.
So far, the list of these streets has not been disclosed. Another important initiative is to install an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) for 500 traffic lights in the city center.
This will help eliminate problems arising from power supply interruptions for these traffic lights. According to Elmurod Alimov, such systems will ensure that traffic lights can operate autonomously for up to six hours, making it easier for inspectors who have to manually control traffic.
These proposals have been presented to the authorities and other relevant bodies as part of comprehensive efforts to improve road infrastructure. These measures began after a meeting chaired by the president in July.
Although the "Safe and Smooth Road" national program was approved in 2022, there was no specific information on how the planned measures would reduce road traffic accidents and fatalities. The new initiatives are expected to ensure not only fast but also safe movement for road traffic participants, taking all risks into account.
