Intensive monitoring efforts to ensure the safety of the transport sector
As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance safety standards and improve service quality in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's transport sector, the Public Transport Authority announced the results of its intensive field inspection campaigns for January of this year. The Authority revealed that its inspection teams conducted over 437,735 thorough inspections covering various land, sea, and rail transport activities, reflecting its firm commitment to ensuring all operators comply with applicable regulations and standards.
General context and the Authority's role in Vision 2030
These oversight campaigns are an integral part of the Public Transport Authority's pivotal role in achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, specifically the National Transport and Logistics Strategy. This strategy aims to solidify the Kingdom's position as a global logistics hub connecting three continents, which necessitates a sophisticated infrastructure and a well-organized, safe, and efficient transport sector. Through rigorous oversight, the Authority ensures that all services provided meet the highest international standards, thereby enhancing the confidence of both investors and users in the Saudi transport network.
Details of the results of the monitoring campaign
The statistical index published by the authority showed that inspections resulted in the recording of 90,295 violations. The inspections were distributed as follows:
- Land transport: It accounted for the largest share with 430,066 inspections, achieving a compliance rate of 93%, and recording 90,281 violations.
- Maritime transport: It witnessed 7,574 inspections, and showed a high commitment with a compliance rate of 99%, with only 14 violations recorded.
- Rail transport: 95 inspections were carried out, and the sector achieved a 100% full compliance rate, reflecting the advanced level of discipline in this vital sector.
Additionally, 1,045 vehicles were impounded for violating regulations and technical requirements in land transport activities, and the applicable penalties were imposed on the violators.
Analysis of violations and their impact
The violations observed ranged from failing to meet basic safety requirements in vehicles and operating passenger transport services in private cars without the necessary licenses, to operating vehicles with expired or canceled operating permits, and driving without a valid driver's license. The Makkah region topped the list of regions with the highest number of violations, recording 30,354, followed by the Riyadh region with 24,831, and then the Eastern Province with 11,301. Addressing these violations not only contributes to raising road safety standards and reducing accidents, but also ensures fair competition among licensed operators and improves the experience for end users of transportation services, whether individuals or companies.
