General Authority for Roads: 5,500 permits issued to regulate work and improve safety
announced The General Authority for Roads new operational achievements during February, including the issuance of more than 5,500 permits for roadworks across the Kingdom. This announcement comes as part of the Authority's ongoing efforts to ensure smooth traffic flow and enhance safety levels, in accordance with internationally recognized standards in the roads sector.
Details of permits and digital services
Official statistics released by the authority revealed that a total of 5,511 permits were issued, reflecting the significant activity and developmental momentum the Kingdom is witnessing. These permits were diverse, including 5,082 permits for exceptional loads, which supports the logistics sector and the movement of goods, in addition to 237 permits for excavation work, 3 permits for extending excavation periods, and 189 clearance certificates.
These figures confirm the effectiveness of the digital platforms launched by the Authority, as the electronic permit issuance service allows companies and institutions to complete their work easily and conveniently outside the urban area, which contributes to improving the investor experience and raising the efficiency of the services provided.
The role of the General Authority for Roads in achieving Vision 2030
efforts are not limited The General Authority for Roads' to issuing permits; they are part of a broader historical and regulatory framework that began with the Cabinet's decision to separate the legislative and operational aspects, making the Authority the primary regulatory and oversight body for the sector in the Kingdom. This strategic step aims to unify technical standards and specifications and ensure the quality of infrastructure, which is the lifeblood of economic development.
The Authority is working diligently to achieve the strategic objectives of the roads sector stemming from the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which is one of the pillars of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. These regulatory efforts seek to enhance the Kingdom’s position as a global logistics hub connecting the three continents, through a highly efficient and sustainable road network.
Expected impact: Higher safety and advanced global ranking
Regulating road works has far-reaching positive implications, both locally and regionally. By controlling excavation and load-carrying operations, the authority directly contributes to the preservation of national road and bridge assets, extending their lifespan and reducing future maintenance costs.
Furthermore, these measures contribute to the ultimate goal of raising the level of road safety, with the Authority aiming to reduce road fatalities to less than 5 deaths per 100,000 people. Through these stringent standards, the Kingdom also aspires to achieve sixth place globally in the road quality index and to ensure the network meets safety standards according to the International Road Assessment Programme (IRAP) classification, thereby enhancing the quality of life for citizens, residents, and visitors alike.
