Morocco Boosts Highway Safety with 2,000 Surveillance Cameras

Generalization of video surveillance thanks to new generation cameras, use of solar energy for the lighting of several stations and strategic axes, securing of bridges and overpasses, modernization of rescue and signaling systems... These are the measures that the Ministry of Equipment and Water intends to implement in order to strengthen safety on Morocco’s highways, reports Assabah.

In total, 2,000 cameras are already operational on the highways, said the Minister of Equipment and Water, Nizar Baraka, during the discussion of the report of the exploratory mission on the National Highways Company (ADM), also announcing the launch of a new program aimed at increasing surveillance capabilities. The minister also said that a tripartite agreement to secure overpasses and bridges with fences and surveillance cameras has been signed. The first phase of this project has already been implemented. It concerned 85 crossings. As for the second phase, it is underway to secure 46 additional crossings.

Nizar Baraka’s department also plans to implement measures to prohibit access to animals and pedestrians on highways through the generalization of fences and the organization of special patrols. It plans to set up cooperation with local authorities, security forces and neighboring schools to raise awareness among residents about the prohibition of grazing and crossing highways. In addition, it plans to create 17 new emergency stop lanes for heavy goods vehicles. The ministry should introduce new regulations to prohibit the transport of heavy equipment at certain times, with strict control by the Royal Gendarmerie.

The ministry plans to soon implement several important measures to improve safety on highways. These include the generalization of alert bands on the roadway, an effective device to fight against drowsiness at the wheel; the strengthening of lighting through the use of solar energy in toll and rest areas, as well as in high traffic areas, and the modernization of the rescue fleet with the equipment of assistance vehicles with advanced communication systems, allowing for faster intervention in case of emergency.