As lawmakers continue to finalise the draft of a new land traffic law, casualties continue to rise on the Kingdom’s roads.
At least 26 people were killed in road traffic accidents over the past seven days, as the relevant ministries continue their discussions on the new law, before submitting it to the Council of Ministers for review.
A total of 36 traffic accidents occurred across Cambodia between October 1 and October 7, resulting in 26 deaths and 46 injuries, according to Touch Sokhak, deputy spokesperson at the Ministry of Interior.
The accidents occurred in Phnom Penh and the provinces of Kandal, Kampong Speu, Preah Sihanouk, Kep, Kampot, Takeo, Kampong Chhnang, Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Preah Vihear, Ratanakkiri, Kratie, Tbong Khmum, Kampong Cham and Prey Veng.
During the Pchum Ben festival period in September, 103 traffic accidents were recorded, leaving 68 people dead and 136 injured, many of them seriously.
In addition, within just six days — from September 24 to 29, following the end of the Pchum Ben holiday — 31 more road accidents were reported. They resulted in 19 deaths and 44 injuries.
The inter-ministerial working group responsible for drafting the new traffic law is continuing to review and discuss several articles to ensure clarity, technical accuracy and alignment with the Kingdom’s social development.
Representatives from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, the Ministry of Interior, and the Ministry of Justice are participating in the discussions and have provided detailed feedback and recommendations.
During an August meeting, transport ministry secretary of state Min Manvy asked the justice ministry to review a number of specific articles.
Transport ministry spokesperson Phorn Rim explained on October 8 that the working group is continuing to gather input and discuss the draft with stakeholders.
“When this stage is completed, we will send the draft law to the Council of Ministers’ legal experts and the inter-ministerial committee for review. Then it will be submitted to the full Council of Ministers,” he said.
