New Lebanese Traffic Law Takes Effect to ’End Road Tragedies’

Local Editor

A new Lebanese traffic law had taken effect on Wednesday despite concerns among the people over the high fines against violations.

Lebanese Internal Security Forces chief Ibrahim Basbous sought to appease fears by stressing that the law is aimed "ending the tragedies on the road and ensuring the safety of the people".

"It is the beginning, not the end," he declared, while explaining that it would be adopted in phases that would take around two months to be completely in effect.

Moreover, awareness campaigns would be carried out during this period to shed light on the law in order to ease the people's concerns.

"They should adhere to the law out of their convictions, not fear, because it protects them," Basbous explained.
"Our goal is not to issue fines, but successfully respect the law," he stressed.

"The members of the ISF are working tirelessly to implement all laws," he added.

Meanwhile, Lebanese Interior Minister Nouhad al-Mashnouq hoped that the people would respect the law "out of their faith in the state."

"It was adopted to save their lives, not raise taxes," he remarked.

The controversial law, which angered Lebanese citizens due to the high fines, was set to target major traffic offenses. It was adopted by the parliament in 2012.

NGOs had hoped that the implementation of the new law would reduce the soaring traffic accidents across the country.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team