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According to a statement from the Office of the President, the meeting began "with a moment of silence in memory of the victims of the recent tragic bus accident, which revealed several shortcomings." "After an in-depth debate and following the comments of those present," several measures were taken, according to the same source.
Indeed, it was decided to "immediately import 10,000 new passenger buses to replace the old ones, under the supervision of the Ministry of Industry," and to "immediately import large quantities of various types of vehicle tires."
It was also decided to "draft and present to the next meeting of the Council of Ministers new legislation on road traffic regulations, particularly concerning the procedures for issuing driver's licenses."
"Hold the perpetrators of road accidents civilly liable"
And to "hold those responsible for road accidents civilly liable," "subject drivers to periodic testing," and "strengthen testing centres to detect possible drug or psychotropic substance use," adds the same source.
Among the measures announced is also "liability in the event of accidents will also be extended, for the first time, to parties responsible for road construction and maintenance, driving schools, vehicle inspection organizations, and any other party whose liability is established in accidents."
It was also decided to "instruct the National Gendarmerie and Security Services to step up checks throughout the country to ensure strict enforcement of the highway code and thus combat road terrorism."
According to the statement, the meeting was attended by Army General Saïd Chanegriha, Deputy Minister to the Minister of National Defence, Chief of Staff of the People's National Army; Boualem Boualem, Chief of Staff to the President of the Republic; the Ministers of the Interior, Justice, Finance, Transport, Industry, Health, and Public Works.
Also present were the advisor to the President of the Republic responsible for general communications; the commander of the National Gendarmerie; the Director General of National Security; the central director of Military Industry at the Ministry of National Defence; and the director general of Civil Protection.
Sayoud: 5,400 buses over 30 years old will be replaced within six months.
This decision comes after the accident on August 15, when a bus fell into the Oued El Harrach, killing 18 people and injuring 25. On Monday, Transport Minister Saïd Sayoud announced that 5,400 buses over 30 years old will be replaced over the next six months. He also added that another 28,000 buses, which have been in service for over 20 years, will be replaced at a later date. Ultimately, the ministry aims to replace 84,000 buses to improve passenger safety.
Mr. Sayoud pointed out that a plan for the gradual renewal of the bus fleet has been in place since January. He indicated that a law now allows transport operators to import new buses or buses less than five years old, provided they pay customs duties and comply with import procedures.
During the launch of Domestic Airlines' inaugural flight at Algiers International Airport, the minister responded to carriers' concerns about customs exemptions. He stated that this request is "under review."
He added that a working group, in coordination with the Ministries of Industry and Trade, "is studying this proposal and coming up with solutions that could be included in the next finance bill." He also pointed out that the inter-wilaya transport fleet was "excellent" compared to that of urban and suburban buses.