Abstract: The current status of Russia's road network and challenges posed by rapidmotorisation are reviewed. With a road network based on the old cart roads many settlements still remain isolated. Road capacity in urban areas has not kept up with motorisation and despite low levels of car ownership congestion is severe. Road casualty statistics are high with around 100 deaths per 100,000 vehicles each year. The main reason suggested for these problems is a lack of the basic institutional frameworks that have been adopted and implemented in other developed countries. Attempts to introduceroad fund initiatives have been thwarted on a number of occasions with the emphasis remaining on goods transport and access to mineral deposits. While many officials hope to solve traffic problems through toll roads the attrition rate of roads exceeds the construction rate. Strategies such asa two-circuit structure for the road networks of major cities have not found favour in Russia with high speed traffic passing through built-up areas being the norm. Also contrary to international best practice parking incities is free. In order to improve safety it is suggested that Russia needs to first establish the basic equality of all road users and then develop a regulatory framework to cater for everyone's needs.
Publication Year: 2009
Publication Date: 2009-11-01
Language: en
Type: article
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