Harmonized vehicle, road safety rules key to address transport issues in Asia

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is taking an active part and proactive approach in the regional initiative of harmonization of vehicle standards and regulations by implementing projects aimed to address vital transport issues common to Asian countries.

Transport Secretary Jaime J. Bautista said the Philippines is pushing for vehicle safety, road safety, accident prevention, carbon neutrality, and regulating the automotive industry that are consistent with the region’s standards.

“We must realize though that this initiative to harmonize vehicle standards and regulations has evolved and encompassed related critical issues, paramount of which is road safety, a cornerstone embedded in the four sectors of our transport industry,” Sec. Bautista said during the 15th Public and Private Joint Forum in Asian Region.

Sec. Bautista cited the Philippines’ initiatives on road safety as well as protection of the environment, starting with compliance to the provisions of the Philippine Road Safety Action Plan to reduce the number of road traffic deaths by 35% by year 2028.

The transport chief said existing rules are in place to ensure enhanced compliance to standards on vehicle roadworthiness and driver education, along with making pedestrians trained on road safety.

DOTr is advocating for a shift to electric cars, complementing simultaneous construction of electric railways to reduce carbon emissions.

Sec. Bautista also said private investment and expertise have been poured into 12 existing and five future expressways, providing wide lateral connectivity.