During the Senate plenary session, a law was reviewed that envisages amendments and additions to the Code of Administrative Responsibility aimed at ensuring road safety and improving the efficiency of public transport use. This was reported by the Senate's information service.
It was noted that the issue of traffic congestion has become one of the most pressing problems for the population, especially in the capital. In the last 2-3 years, traffic congestion in Tashkent city has been observed at levels of 7-9 points daily, and at times this situation has risen to 10 points. This leads to stressful and conflicting situations on the roads, causing passengers and drivers to spend hours in traffic.
For this reason, practical measures are being taken to prioritize public transport in order to reduce traffic congestion and create convenience for the population.
In particular, the number of buses in Tashkent city has doubled in the last 2 years. As a result of the establishment of dedicated lanes for them, the interval between bus services has been reduced by half. The number of passengers has doubled, reaching 1 million daily users.
However, it was emphasized that gaps in legislation are seriously reducing the efficiency of public transport use, negatively affecting service regularity and the free movement of public transport. Although separate lanes for public transport have been allocated on city roads and the movement of other vehicles is prohibited, they continue to operate in these lanes.
The current legislation does not provide for penalties for drivers of vehicles operating in lanes specifically designated for public transport.
At the same time, it has been observed that drivers are frequently operating their vehicles on bicycle lanes, sidewalks, and green areas, negatively impacting the safety of road participants in these areas.
Another factor negatively affecting road safety is the illegal installation of artificial barriers and cases of blocking roads.
Citizens illegally install artificial barriers on the streets in their residential areas, restricting movement and obstructing the passage of emergency services and special vehicles.
To address these issues, a new Article 128-7 is being introduced into the Code of Administrative Responsibility with this law, establishing responsibility for violating the rules of movement in lanes specifically designated for public transport.
In particular, the movement of vehicles in lanes designated for route vehicles will result in a fine equal to one basic calculation amount, and if the same violation occurs again within one year after an administrative penalty has been applied, a fine equal to three basic calculation amounts will be imposed.
Additionally, the law revises the title and the first part of the disposition of Article 128 of the Code of Administrative Responsibility.
Furthermore, the law establishes responsibility for drivers operating their vehicles on sidewalks, pedestrian and bicycle lanes, and green areas, as well as for non-compliance with road signs and other traffic rules.
