The security of roads and preservation of human life and property are major concerns for the Tizi Ouzou wilaya police. With over 6,800 new vehicles entering circulation in 2019, the police face challenges in reducing road accidents in the region's difficult terrain. According to police statistics, the fight against road delinquency has shown results, but there is still much work to be done.
In a press conference, Tizi Ouzou wilaya police chief, Madjid Aknouche, presented statistics on road accidents in the region. While 2019 was considered a calm year overall, Aknouche expressed concerns about the number of accidents and fatalities, which remained unchanged compared to 2018. He emphasized the importance of education in changing people's behavior on public roads.
The statistics revealed that over 50% of accidents in urban areas were caused by pedestrians. Aknouche and other police officials stressed that human error remains the primary cause of road accidents. Despite efforts to raise awareness and prevent accidents, the number of accidents increased by 87 cases in 2019 compared to 2018, resulting in 105 more injuries.
Although the number of fatalities remained stable, with 10 deaths in both 2018 and 2019, police officials acknowledge that more needs to be done. They have made proposals to authorities to improve road safety, including the creation of regulated parking areas. However, these proposals have yet to be implemented.
Police have identified 70 unauthorized parking areas and established 50 judicial files. A plan to create 15 regulated parking areas has been proposed, but it has not been acted upon 14 months after being submitted. This lack of action is seen as a hindrance to reducing road delinquency in Tizi Ouzou.
The city's traffic plan, announced over ten years ago, has yet to be implemented. Police officials have made repeated proposals for short-term actions to improve traffic flow, but they require cooperation from other authorities. The police can only do so much, and a more comprehensive approach is needed to address the issue.
The Tizi Ouzou wilaya police will continue their efforts to raise awareness and prevent accidents, but they require support from other stakeholders, including municipal services and the wilaya administration. The fight against road delinquency is ongoing, and it will take a concerted effort to achieve significant improvements in road safety.
Key points
- Tizi Ouzou police chief Madjid Aknouche emphasizes the need for education and cooperation to reduce road accidents.
- Human error remains the primary cause of road accidents in Tizi Ouzou, with pedestrians responsible for over 50% of accidents in urban areas.
- Proposed measures to improve road safety, including regulated parking areas, have yet to be implemented by authorities.
