Background
On 30 January 2023, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) joined the annual review meeting on 2022 road traffic safety results and work directions for 2023 of the National Road Safety Committee. The meeting was chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior in his capacity as Chair of the National Road Safety Committee, with participation from relevant ministries, committee members, provincial and municipal governors, institutions, and officials. The report noted that approximately 2,976 traffic accidents occurred in 2022, underscoring the need for strengthened compliance with traffic laws.
Scope of Application
The discussions and directions presented cover national efforts to improve road traffic safety across Cambodia. MPWT’s responsibilities relate primarily to the maintenance and upgrading of national roads and the development of alternative transport modes, including railways and inland waterways, as part of broader strategies to reduce road accidents and road congestion.
Key Provisions or Decisions
During the meeting, the Senior Minister, Minister of Public Works and Transport, and Permanent Vice Chair of the National Road Safety Committee agreed with the report on 2022 road traffic safety work and the work directions for 2023. Key points highlighted for MPWT included:
- Efforts to reduce traffic accidents through ongoing road repair and maintenance activities.
- Recent commencement of upgrading works to improve the quality of several national roads, including National Roads 31, 33, 41, and 7.
- Development and use of technology tools to facilitate rapid reporting of road problems by citizens via the ROAD CARE mobile application.
- Strategic direction to reduce road accidents by promoting rail and waterway transport as alternatives to road transport.
- Ongoing studies of major infrastructure projects, including feasibility studies on a high-speed railway from Phnom Penh to Poipet, a high-speed railway from Phnom Penh to Preah Sihanouk, and studies on using the existing Bassac River waterway transport route, which can reduce transport distance by more than 100 kilometers.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
The information indicates continued government focus on improving national road infrastructure and diversifying transport modes. Upgrading of key national roads (31, 33, 41, and 7) and the deployment of the ROAD CARE mobile application are relevant to logistics operators, transport companies, and road users, as they aim to improve road conditions and reporting of road issues. The feasibility studies on high-speed rail links between Phnom Penh and Poipet, and Phnom Penh and Preah Sihanouk, as well as enhanced use of the Bassac River waterway, signal potential future infrastructure projects that could alter freight and passenger transport patterns and reduce dependence on road transport. No new binding regulations or compliance requirements are specified in the content.
Official Source
The information is based on an official communication from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport regarding MPWT’s participation in the 2022 road traffic safety review meeting and its presentation of ongoing and planned transport infrastructure initiatives.
