Roads to be assessed later this year

FIVE HUNDRED KILOMETRES of road will be assessed in July in an effort to curb the number of road fatalities and reduce the millions spent each year due to accidents.

Earlier today at the launch of the iRap (International Road Assessment Programme), director for Latin America and the Caribbean Julio Urzua said that the initiative is committed to saving lives through safer roads.

“Here in Barbados it is estimated the cost of crashes exceeds $138 million per year,” he said.

The programme was funded under a loan agreement with the Caribbean Development Bank.

Augustin Oseguera of Mexican Civil Engineering Services (SEMIC) said the assessment will be completed using a vehicle equipped with GPS, a laptop and cameras.

In his remarks, Minister of Transport and Works Michael Lashley said his ministry will be embarking on a crosswalk improvement programme across the country.

He also said Government was working to make changes to the Road Traffic Act, to include things like Breathalyzer tests. (MR)