المملكة: In conjunction with the Expo and the World Cup… a proposal to amend the traffic system to unify signage
Public Security at the Ministry of Interior revealed a proposal to amend Article 51 of Traffic system in the Kingdom, with the aim of harmonizing road signs with the “Vienna Convention”, raising safety levels and reducing accidents.
The legislative proposal explained that the amendment comes based on Royal Decree No. “M/71” stipulating the Kingdom’s accession to the Vienna Convention on Signs And road signs, and the directives of higher authorities to follow up on their implementation.
The necessity of adhering to road signs
The proposed new text of the article stated that road signs, reflectors, and signs “approved by the General Authority for Roads” and attached to this system are considered an integral part of it.
The amendment stressed the need for the driver to adhere to these signs and the instructions issued by The competent authorities, in accordance with the provisions of the Traffic Law and its Executive Regulations.
Public Security indicated that this move is legally based on Article Twenty-Two of the Council of Ministers Law, which gives ministers and members of the Council the right to propose draft laws and regulations related to their work.
Road User Safety
The explanatory memorandum pointed out that applying the standards of the Vienna Convention of 1968 will raise the quality of life for citizens and residents, and contribute directly to reducing death rates resulting from road accidents.
The report touched on the positive economic impacts, stressing that the amendment keeps pace with the influx of millions of tourists to the Kingdom in conjunction with hosting huge global events such as the “Expo” and the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
It stressed that drivers’ adherence to international signs will reflect on the safety of all road users, which will lead to a significant reduction in the cost of health expenses allocated to treating traffic accident victims.
The document reviewed successful international experiences in this field, as it mentioned authentication. Austria has adopted the treaty, and Switzerland has adopted the Geneva Convention protocols that reflect common consensus on traffic signs.
The memorandum added that the United Kingdom and a number of similar countries adopt different driving methods, as it is estimated that 20 percent of the world’s population uses the left side, which highlights the importance of unifying standards to facilitate driving for visitors to the Kingdom.
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