A total of 8,639 road accidents were recorded in Algeria from January to July, 2004, killing 730 people and wounding 15,707, according to official figures. In addition, 43,277 road accidents were registered last year, causing 4,343 dead and 63,699 injured.
According to APS, road accidents annually engender handicaps to 300 persons and cost over AD35 billion (some $460 million) per year to the State. In 2002, costs have reached over AD69 billion, that is 1.5% to 2 % of the national income, surveys of the Algerian Transport Ministry indicated.
According to statistics of the police department for 2002, only 5.16% of fines have been paid by offenders, adding that the tax administration has registered the collection of 3.6 % of fines in the same year.
Authorities have reinforced the coercive nature of the highway code through the revision of the law 01/14 of August 2001, relating to the road traffic control police.
The law meant to punish drivers disrespectful towards the highway code by impounding cars, the immediate withdrawal of the driver’s licence.
The bill provides for coercive measures, including a fine of AD10,000 ($130) to AD100,000 ($1,300), in case of speeding, and another one of AD1,500 to AD5,000 when using mobile phone in driving.
Concerning roads, the bill also provides for a fine of AD50,000 to AD150,000, with a prison sentence from two to six months for any person who builds a speed hump across the road without the Prefect’s authorization. (menareport.com)
© 2004 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
