Road safety concerns are mounting in Mauritius, with 117 people killed in road accidents since January 2026. The latest victims include two young people and a 58-year-old woman. The rising toll has prompted the government to take action, with Land Transport Minister Osman Mahomed announcing tougher laws to address the issue. The new measures aim to curb reckless driving and reduce the number of accidents on the country's roads.
The government has introduced amendments to the Road Traffic Act, which took effect on September 30. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can now result in a license suspension of two to six months, a fine of Rs 200,000 to Rs 500,000, and up to five years' imprisonment for a first offense. Heavier penalties are also in place for causing death by dangerous driving and for road rage. The new laws were tested almost immediately, with a 63-year-old motorcyclist stopped for allegedly driving under the influence.
The penalty-point system, operational since January 31, 2026, aims to change behavior rather than simply punish it. The system is reviewed every semester and tightened where necessary. After the first assessment in June, points for using a handheld phone at the wheel were increased from three-six to five-ten, and phone use appeared to fall. A recent crackdown in Phoenix saw dozens of drivers stopped within an hour, many caught texting while creeping forward in traffic.
However, experts argue that tougher laws are only part of the solution. Alain Jeannot, president of the NGO Prévention routière avant tout, emphasizes the need for consistent controls to deter reckless driving. He questions what evidence will establish an offense and whether surveillance footage could help. The effectiveness of the new laws will be measured by the fluidity of the procedures.
The government is also investing in infrastructure to address congestion. The 2026-27 Budget allocates Rs 2 billion to the M4 Motorway, linking Forbach with the airport. National Infrastructure Minister Ajay Gunness said work is advancing and funding is available. However, some have questioned whether a 2012 feasibility study justifies a project costing more than Rs 10 billion.
The rising cost of fuel is also a concern, with petrol and diesel prices increasing by 10% on September 29. The Petroleum Pricing Committee decided on the price hike due to higher international oil prices and a Price Stabilization Account deficit estimated at Rs 3.63 billion. The increase will have a ripple effect on the economy, as almost everything sold in Mauritius has traveled by road.
As the government implements new measures to address road safety and congestion, questions persist about the integrity of licensing procedures, fitness tests, and roadside policing. Vehicle owners allegedly resort to bribery to avoid fines or license-point deductions, undermining enforcement and weakening public trust in the system. The effectiveness of the new laws and infrastructure projects will depend on consistent implementation and enforcement.
Key points
- The government has introduced tougher laws and a costly new motorway project to address rising road fatalities and worsening congestion in Mauritius.
- The new laws aim to curb reckless driving, with heavier penalties for driving under the influence and road rage.
- Experts emphasize the need for consistent controls and effective implementation to deter reckless driving and reduce the number of accidents on the country's roads.
