Ciyuh: The Rate of Traffic Accidents is Concerning and a New Program Aims to Reduce Them by 50 Percent
Abdel Samad Ciyuh, the Minister of Transport and Logistics, confirmed that the rate of traffic accidents in Morocco remains alarming and is trending upwards, which is cause for concern. He pointed out that motorcyclists are the most vulnerable group to accidents.
During a session of oral questions at the Council of Advisors, Ciyuh explained that the efforts made to date, including the distribution of 50,000 helmets and the installation of several radars, remain insufficient, given the complete understanding of the underlying causes of the current situation.
The government official reported the establishment of a new program for the period between 2026 and 2030, aimed at reducing traffic accidents by 50 percent in terms of fatalities and injuries, with a total cost of 8.5 billion dirhams. He emphasized that addressing this issue involves both training and punitive measures, along with a review of several laws.
Ciyuh added that the ministry’s interventions will consider regional specifics, noting that the pressure recorded in the Dakhla-Oued Ed Dahab region is unlike that in the Casablanca-Settat or Rabat-Salé-Kénitra regions.
Regarding rural and mountainous transport, Ciyuh confirmed that the ministry, in coordination with regional councils and the Ministry of the Interior, is conducting a comprehensive study on “transport basins,” aiming to develop a specific vision for rural transportation in each region, while assessing its intersection with taxis, buses, and transport stations to regulate licensing grants and determine the necessary quantity.
He indicated that granting these licenses is supervised by governors, within the framework of provincial transport committees, within a period not exceeding 15 days, highlighting that more than 600 new licenses have been issued recently, with the possibility of supporting vehicle modifications up to 200,000 dirhams.
The minister stressed the need to differentiate between active rural transport in flat areas and the mountainous transport in the Rif and Atlas regions.
Concerning labor transport, Ciyuh asserted that public transport for individuals is legally regulated and subject to current compliance standards, emphasizing that vehicles designated for transporting workers and agricultural laborers are licensed and undergo technical inspection every six months, in accordance with the traffic code.
The minister noted the necessity of encouraging transport for hire in Morocco, while respecting humanitarian conditions, especially in industrial and agricultural areas, in addition to promptly responding to licensing requests.
On the subject of rail transport, Ciyuh stated that the satisfaction rate for the punctuality of the “Al-Boraq” trains stands at 87 percent, compared to 75 percent for ordinary trains. He attributed Moroccan criticisms regarding train delays to ongoing works to upgrade railway crossings and bridges, which are expected to last for about three years.
