Saudi Arabia launches 25 regulations for road safety, maintenance

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Roads launched a “Road Code” on Monday in Riyadh to assist with planning, maintenance and safety of infrastructure in the country.

Transport Minister Saleh Al-Jasser was present at the launch of the document, which includes 25 regulations.

“The Road Code is a technical reference for road authorities in the Kingdom,” said Badr Al-Dulami, deputy minister, and CEO of the authority.

“It aims to enable authorities to access the necessary information for planning, designing, implementing, operating, and maintaining roads of all classifications in the Kingdom.”

The initiative comprises regulations covering the design, construction and maintenance of roads, bridges and tunnels.

It also encompasses environmental considerations, and new rules for the requirements of self-driving or autonomous vehicles.

In addition, the authority is working to reduce deaths on the roads to less than five per 100,000 people by 2030.

“The launch of this national code stems from the role of the General Authority for Roads as a government agency that supervises and regulates the entire road network in Saudi Arabia by preparing the necessary policies, regulations, and systems for the construction and maintenance of roads,” Al-Dulami said.

“The General Authority for Roads, in partnership with all relevant parties, has prepared the Saudi Road Code in accordance with the best international practices, ensuring that it contributes to achieving the strategic objectives of the roads sector, which focus on safety, quality, and traffic congestion,” he said.

“The authority’s vision is to enhance the safety and sustainability of the roads sector, led by national competencies, and to improve the quality of the road network and the user experience while encouraging innovation,” Al-Dulami added.

The regulations took 18 months to prepare, with the assistance of several local and international experts.