Latest news with #LandTransport
Scoop
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Scoop
Value Of Seatbelts Highlighted After Crash Which Claimed Four Lives
New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is endorsing a coroner's message about the critical difference that wearing seatbelts can make, following findings on a crash that claimed the lives of four young South Korean skiers in South Canterbury last year. Bumhee Cho, 23, Junwoo Park, 20, Sangseo Kim, 16, and Hyunseo Han, 17, died after the vehicle they were in collided with another car on State Highway 79 near Geraldine in August last year. Three of the men died on impact and another died in December following severe injuries he suffered. Coroner Mary-Anne Borrowdale, in her findings made available today, said that it was clear from the evidence of the pathologists and the crash analyst that the injuries sustained by these young men were made considerably worse because they were not wearing seatbelts. Additional evidence to that effect was supplied by the other motorist that they struck in this head-on crash: he was wearing a seatbelt and was restrained within the cab of his vehicle. He was injured, but not fatally injured. The coroner reinforced the message to motorists: always wear your seatbelt, whether you are the driver or passenger, as seatbelts save lives. Director of Land Transport Brent Alderton says the coroner's message about the value of seatbelts may be familiar, but it is an important reminder. Advertisement - scroll to continue reading Since 2020 there has been a steady increase in deaths and serious injuries where people have not been wearing seatbelts on New Zealand roads. NZTA is currently targeting the issue as part of its road safety marketing campaign: Seatbelts campaign: Warmer seatbelt warnings | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi 'Whatever the cause of a crash, the evidence shows that one of the best things you can do to prevent death or serious injury is to wear your seatbelt,' Mr Alderton says. Wearing a seatbelt reduces the risk of drivers and passengers being killed or seriously injured by about 40 per cent. If everyone wore their seatbelts, an estimated 25 lives could be saved in road crashes every year. Notes: When driving, the car and the people inside have kinetic energy which is generated by the speed that you're travelling at. When a car comes to a stop, the kinetic energy must be transferred somewhere. In a gradual or sudden stop, the energy is transferred to the brakes which causes the vehicle to slow down and stop. Seatbelts are designed to help absorb the kinetic energy in a crash or sudden stop and prevent you from continuing to move forward. A seatbelt, when worn properly, will spread the stopping force across areas of your body that are strong enough to provide resistance such as your chest and pelvis. The force on the seatbelt can be as much as 20 times your weight – this is how hard you'd hit the inside of your vehicle without your seatbelt on. More about seatbelts and their benefits can be found at:
Zawya
01-08-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
Lusail bus depot is Middle East's first to rely on solar power with around 11,000 PV panels
DOHA: Land transport has become a key enabler of Qatar's economy and a cornerstone of its growth. The Land Transport Sector continues its efforts to develop a state-of-the-art transport network in line with the goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030. In a post on its X platform yesterday, the Ministry of Transport noted that Lusail Bus Depot is the first in the Middle East to rely on solar power to feed its buildings and highlighted various features of the depot. Located in Lusail City, north of Doha, the depot is considered the largest electric bus depot worldwide, according to Guinness World Records, featuring state-of-the-art photovoltaic (PV) solar panels within the depot, which is developed over a total area of more than 400,000m². It further said that the depot features approximately 11,000 PV solar panels covering a total area of more than 25,000m² to generate 4 megawatts (MW) of power to feed the depot's buildings with needed power. It consists of bus bays, service facilities, recreational facilities, green spaces, substations and associated infrastructure. The depot is divided into three zones. The first zone includes nearly 500 parking bays for e-buses equipped with 248 electric charging equipment, serving users 24/7. The second zone includes accommodations for all the depot staff with a capacity of 1400 people. It also includes administration, service, security, guardhouse buildings, mosques and commercial and recreational facilities. The third zone is a depot for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) e-buses. It includes 24 bays equipped with 24 electric charging devices. An Operation Control Center (OCC) building is also located at the depot in an area of more than 39,000 m². It is considered the central command center where all bus operations are monitored and controlled. The mission of the Ministry of Transport consists of building an integrated and effective transport system that uses advanced technologies, serving all local sectors while linking Qatar to the wider regional and international economy. The Ministry continues its extensive efforts to develop reliable, efficient and sustainable transport planning and ensure a safe and effective nationwide network of roads and highways constructed according to international standards and best practices. In conjunction with executive bodies in Qatar, the Ministry developed the projects of the Public Bus Infrastructure Program, fully equipped with an infrastructure that facilitates the operation of ecofriendly e-buses as part of achieving the goals of the QNV 2030. The programme aims at providing an integrated, sustainable public transit network that covers all urban areas across the country and forms a coherent transportation unit that includes public buses, Doha Metro, and tram networks. It lays the foundation for a full transformation to an electricity-powered transit system that is clean and eco-friendly, using latest technologies, with a view to providing the best services in a fashion that support sustainable development. © Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
23-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan: Cabinet approves transport commission restructuring, green hydrogen projects
AMMAN — The Cabinet, during a session chaired by Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, approved on Sunday a proposal by the Ministry of Transport to proceed with the restructuring of the Land Transport Regulatory Commission to define the complementary roles, responsibilities, and coordination mechanisms between the ministry and the commission. Under the proposed framework, the government would study the establishment of a Board of Commissioners for the commission, modelled after the Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission, according to a Prime Ministry statement. The move is intended to bolster the commission's independence, improve governance, and strengthen its economic and service-oriented functions, with necessary legal amendments to follow, the statement said. To support public transportation operators, the Cabinet also endorsed the allocation of JD4.1 million to subsidise operational costs for the period from June through the end of 2025, in accordance with international fuel price trends. The Land Transport Regulatory Commission and the Ministry of Finance have been tasked with devising an implementation mechanism. The Council of Ministers also endorsed exempting Syrian buses entering Jordan from fuel support charges (diesel), at a rate of JD80 per bus carrying more than eight passengers. The exemption is contingent upon mutual measures by Syrian authorities and is expected to benefit transport operators on both sides. In the tourism sector, the Cabinet approved the justifications for the 2025 draft regulation on tourist guide services, as well as a draft amendment to the 2025 Tour Guides Association bylaw. Both drafts would be forwarded to the Legislation and Opinion Bureau for legal review and ratification. The Cabinet also instructed the Ministry of Water and Irrigation and the Jordan Valley Authority to set a ceiling of 4,000 dunums for land leases in the Wadi Araba region for investment purposes. 'Exceptions for larger areas may be granted in justified cases based on the nature and feasibility of the project, pending prior approval.' The Cabinet also approved allocating 770 dunums in the villages of Ghamr and Umm Mathla for food security projects implemented by the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army. As part of its commitment to improving healthcare services, the Cabinet also approved the continuation of procedures for establishing a new comprehensive health centre in Ajloun. The project would adhere to national standards for primary and comprehensive healthcare facilities. The prime minister had announced the project during a Cabinet session in Ajloun in April, noting that the JD1 million facility is expected to be completed in 2026. The Council of Ministers also approved an agreement between the Ministry of Local Administration and UN-Habitat to implement an urban greening and afforestation project in Sahab, Zarqa Governorate. The two-year project is valued at approximately $1.1 million. As part of the government's strategic National Water Carrier Project, the Cabinet approved a 30 million euro investment grant agreement between the Jordanian government and the European Investment Bank, funded by the Dutch government. The funding would support the Aqaba-Amman water desalination and conveyance project. In the energy and mineral resources sector, the Cabinet allowed the National Petroleum Company to retain JD3.4 million in dues owed to the Treasury for 2024. The funds would be directed towards drilling 80 new wells in the Risha gas field, with the goal of increasing natural gas production. The government also approved two land-use agreements, one with Jordan's Philadelphia Solar and the other with Germany's Enertrag, to conduct feasibility studies for green hydrogen production projects. "These are part of the government's broader strategy to position Jordan as a regional hub for green hydrogen," the statement read. With these agreements, the number of approved land-use deals for hydrogen development has reached six, out of 13 memoranda of understanding previously signed with leading energy companies. The six firms have completed preliminary feasibility studies and technical reports and are now advancing to the land allocation stage, the statement said. During this phase, companies will carry out detailed measurements of renewable energy sources to prepare final feasibility studies. Investment decisions will be based on these outcomes, the statement said. To support economic activity and ease the financial burden on businesses, the Cabinet approved exemptions from fines, fees, and additional charges for companies and individuals who settle their outstanding payments to the Income and Sales Tax Department through instalments. The Cabinet also endorsed the recommendations of the Settlement and Reconciliation Committee to resolve 900 pending tax cases involving companies and individuals with financial obligations under the Income Tax and General Sales Tax Laws. In a move to boost trade and investment, the Cabinet endorsed a request to establish a duty-free market on the quay of the new port operated by Abu Dhabi Ports Company in Aqaba. The market would operate under the regulations and conditions outlined by the Special Free Zones Committee.
1News
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- 1News
The road rule Kiwis can't seem to follow – and why it matters
If you've driven anywhere in New Zealand with more than one lane, chances are you've come across the notorious right-lane hog. The driver who sticks in the right lane, going just below the speed limit, unaware or indifferent to the queues of frustrated motorists forming behind them. It's annoying, it's common — and while technically illegal, it's become one of the most flouted road rules in the country. Under New Zealand law, drivers must keep left unless they're overtaking. It's written into the Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004 and failing to do so could set you back $150 fine and 20 demerit points, according to the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA). "There are no plans currently to review this infringement penalty," an NZTA spokesperson said. NZTA regularly pushes "keep left" messages on its Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn pages, racking up more than 9 million views in the past two years, but it seems many motorists continue to miss the memo. Police do issue infringements for failing to keep left, but it's not a high-priority offence, says Inspector Peter McKennie, acting director of road policing. "Police do take enforcement action for failing to keep left in some circumstances, but not to the same extent as high-risk behaviours, such as speed, impairment by alcohol, drugs or fatigue, being distracted while driving and not using seat belts or child restraints," he told 1News. There were practical considerations, McKennie said, such as drivers preparing for exits or intersections and giving room for cyclists or road workers. But even if you're going the speed limit and feel justified in staying put, drivers "need to consider keeping the way clear for emergency service vehicles". Hogging the right lane can have indirect safety impacts such as risky under-taking manoeuvres or frustrated drivers taking chances they shouldn't. "Police encourage courteous driving behaviours," he said. "Be patient and wait until the situation changes and it is safe to pass. Recognise that going a few kilometres per hour slower for a relatively short distance won't make a meaningful difference to your journey time." The AA wants to see a shift in mindset around the keep left rule, especially as New Zealand builds more multi-lane highways. AA road safety spokesperson Dylan Thomsen said the right lane should be treated as a passing lane. "Sticking to the left lane means people can easily pass slower travelling vehicles in the right, promoting efficient traffic flow," he said. "After overtaking, drivers should return to the left lane as soon as it is safe." He said passing on the right was a "more efficient manoeuvre", while passing on the left was "significantly more dangerous". "It involves driving through a larger blind spot for the vehicle you are passing on the right, which is also likely to move directly into your lane at some point." Travelling in the right lane unnecessarily showed a "lack of awareness" for other road users wanting to pass, Thomsen said. "It's important that new drivers are taught to see correct lane use not only as a legal requirement, but as part of cooperative and considerate driving behaviour." Thomsen said AA Member surveys have consistently found that slower vehicles holding up traffic is one of the top frustrations for drivers alongside red light running and texting behind the wheel. "With more multi-lane highways starting to be built in New Zealand, it is certainly an area that could have more of a focus for educating and reminding drivers to share the road well." So next time you're cruising in the right lane, ask yourself: Are you overtaking — or just in the way?
Zawya
19-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Qatar: Land transport sector sees over 2,800 transactions in Q1
Doha, Qatar: Qatar witnessed over 2,800 transactions through its Land Transport Sector in first quarter (Q1) of this year demonstrating that the sector has become a key enabler of the country's economy. A recent post on the social media handle of the Ministry of Transport (MoT) revealed that 2,835 transactions were conducted through its Land Transport Sector in the first quarter (January-March) of shows a rise of 1.5 percent when compared to the first quarter of last year which witnessed 2,794 land transport transactions. The data revealed that in the first quarter of this year, out of the total 2,835 transactions; 931 dealt with land transport planning, 867 were related to land transport licensing, 533 transactions to transport affairs, and 504 concerning road affairs. The main services of the land transport sector include railway safety, bust stop relocation, bus service, road defects detection, safety on roads, directional signs, building permit requests, traffic impact studies, approval of land transport network planning cases. The services also include issuing preliminary approvals for limousine business activities, land transport activities, and car rental business activities. Meanwhile the Qatar witnessed 12,580 transactions through its Land Transport Sector in last year. Qatar has continued its efforts to develop a state-of-the-art transport network in line with the goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030. Recently, the Ministry of Transport started developing the Qatar Public Transport Master Plan (QPTMP) aimed at creating a more efficient and competitive public transportation system and striking a balance between Qatar's rapid urban growth and its commitment to sustainability, leading ultimately to a more efficient and future-ready public transit system. The QPTMP aims at improving accessibility and coverage, raising service reliability, and exploring innovative mobility solutions that keep pace with latest advancements. Bypassing conventional frameworks, the QPTMP will strategically guide the evolution of the transit system to address challenges associated with escalating vehicular dependency, congestion, and environmental impact. It will study the status quo of traffic congestion of both private vehicles and public transportation and carbon emissions and their impact on Qatar's climate quality with a view to suggesting suitable solutions. The land transport planning of the land transport sector sets the general planning policy for land and railway transport activities. It prepares the necessary studies and design plans, as well as planning the construction and development of land and railway transport networks in coordination with the relevant authorities in the State of Qatar. It also identifies the licensing requirements and fees of land and railway transport activities. The Ministry of Transport continues its extensive efforts to develop reliable, efficient and sustainable transport planning and ensure a safe and effective nationwide network of roads and highways constructed according to international standards and best practices. The mission of the Ministry consists of building an integrated and effective transport system that uses advanced technologies serving all local sectors while linking Qatar to the wider regional and international economy. © Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
