VietNamNet Bridge – HCM City authorities said yesterday that the city's Traffic Safety Board this year would aim to reduce the number of traffic accidents by 5 per cent and the time of traffic jams to no more than 30 minutes.

Illustrative image -- File photo

The board made the announcement at a 2016 traffic safety year and campaign ceremony held yesterday (Jan 15) in the city in the run-up to the Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday.

Le Van Khoa, deputy head of the city's People's Committee, said that the traffic safety work in the city had gained success over the past few years.

The number of traffic accidents, fatalities and injuries fell during that time.

However, the high population density and pace of urbanisation continued to overload transport infrastructure and caused many difficulties in management work, he added.

As many as 703 people were killed and 3,302 others injured in 3,712 road crashes last year, according to the municipal Department of Transpor.

The 2016 traffic safety year has the slogan "Human Life First".

Khoa also urged agencies to deploy traffic safety plans for this year, firstly carrying out traffic safety campaigns for the up-coming Tet.

The transport department in coordination with traffic police and agencies have conducted many measures to ensure safety in the city.

Bus stations will add more buses during the Tet holiday as transport demand is forecast to rise by five per cent year-on-year.

The city will crack down on unlicensed coaches, according to the department.

Tran Quang Lam, deputy director of the department, said the shortage of buses to serve people's demand would not occur this year.

People should buy tickets at licensed bus stations or buy online tickets. They were advised not to catch buses on the road at unofficial stops as these vehicles are illegal.

Inspections will be conducted on coaches and bus stations in order to penalise violators.

City police will also be deploying the entire force as well as all vehicles and equipment to ensure safety for residents during the holiday.

Source: VNS