Providence/St-Pierre - Road Safety: Ramgoolam Announced a Series of Measures

Road safety has been at the center of speeches by Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam Providence and St-Pierre at the official opening of Higginson Road to St-Julien d'Hotman and St-Pierre bypass. Among the measures announced include the installation of 56 cameras on the roads, the creation of a training center, the arrival of three Fitness Centers and private entry into force shortly penalty points. On the political front, the prime minister announced that the leader of the National Union Ashock Jugnauth will be the running mate of Suren Dayal N 8 (Moka / Quartier Militaire) in the next general elections in 2015.

Prime Minister noted that the rate of road deaths in Mauritius is one of the highest in the world. In 2000, road accidents have been 148 deaths. While in 2010 and 2012, there were 151 and 144 deaths respectively. "This means that there has been no major changes since 2000 while the number of vehicles on the roads has increased," said Navin Ramgoolam.

The number of vehicles has increased from 244,018 in 2000 to 411,527 vehicles this year. Just since the beginning of the year, 16 people died in fatal accidents, the Prime Minister noted. "If we do not take drastic action, the situation will remain unchanged in 100 years," he said. This is why, he said, Ben Bentipilly was appointed to his office.

"We need more consistency on the road," stated Navin Ramgoolam. He noted that the problem of inconsistency is also present in other sectors such as water where there are seven different authorities then one would suffice. He also cited the case of the celebration of Independence Day where there were five leaders to take care of the organization. Finally, he said, he had to solve all these problems at a meeting with the Minister of Arts and Culture Mookhesswur Choonee.

According to the Prime Minister, the emphasis should be on educating users road. He cited the case of Canada, where as long as drivers do not know the basis for driving a vehicle, they are not permitted to run. This is why the government is proposing to build a training center in Highlands. Anyone wishing to obtain a license, whether for cars, motorcycles and buses will be required to take training courses. It also announced the creation of three private Fitness Centers starting next month.

Regarding discipline on the roads, the head of government noted that some people slowed to approach speed cameras then. To prevent these crimes, cameras capable of recording the license plate on the rear of the vehicle will be installed soon. He mentioned that the breathalyzer is now performed both in hospitals and in clinics. This prevents a law for the poor and a law for the rich as was previously the case where some people took refuge in clinics after committing an accident, said Navin Ramgoolam.

Regarding penalty points, The PM stressed that the penalties will be applied to all. Such practices exist in 21 countries of the European Union. This measure will be applied in all its rigor in Mauritius despite grumbling from some people, he said. "What is important is to ensure that there are fewer accidents. Those who drive without a license, go directly to jail. Penalties are also provided for using phone while driving. "

The Prime Minister took the opportunity to announce qu'Ashock will Jugnauth government alliance candidate in the constituency No. 8 (Moka / Quartier Militaire) alongside Suren Dayal. The name of the third candidate has not been announced. Navin Ramgoolam also paid tribute to the ENL Group has undertaken a lot to advance the road project in the region. "This is an example. [...] There are real patriots who want to help the country. This does not depend on the color, caste or community. These people want to move the country and are rational, "he said, in order to qualify a remark made last Friday on the use of coal for energy production when it launched:" It seems that Coal is coal black and white in the country. '