Presidential Directive Launches National Road Safety Action Plan
In a landmark development for the nation’s road transport sector, the Minister of Roads and Urban Development has officially announced the issuance of the National Road Safety Action Plan, initiated by a directive from the President. This initiative has been hailed as a pivotal achievement in the country’s evolving approach to road safety management.
As reported by the Road Maintenance and Transportation Organization, Minister Farzaneh Sadegh described the action plan as a transformative step forward for the nation. She underscored its significance, asserting that it marks a decisive shift in addressing one of the most pressing challenges in road transport.
Speaking on the gravity of the situation, Sadegh remarked: “Road accidents have escalated beyond being a mere transportation issue. They now constitute a critical challenge to public health, the national economy, and social stability. This comprehensive plan offers a systematic and practical response to the crisis.”
A Nationally Coordinated Initiative
Highlighting the program’s unique scope, Minister Sadegh noted that this marks the first instance of a road safety action plan being developed on a national scale, with the full participation of all members of the Road Safety Commission. She elaborated: “The plan is underpinned by a safe systems approach, emphasizing outcome-driven and measurable management practices. Our goal is to achieve a 10% annual reduction in road fatalities.”
She further detailed the plan’s progression, explaining that it had been approved during the 137th meeting of the Road Safety Commission in September 2024. Following extensive expert reviews, it received final endorsement on April 15, 2025, during a session presided over by the First Vice President. The President subsequently issued an official directive, mandating implementation by all relevant entities.
Mandatory Compliance by All Stakeholders
In her remarks, the Minister stressed the binding nature of the plan, stating: “All agencies are obligated to rigorously comply with the resolutions issued by the Road Safety Commission. The Ministry of Roads and Urban Development, as the designated supervisory authority, will oversee the implementation process, ensuring consistent monitoring, evaluation, and reporting on the performance of all stakeholders.”
A National Commitment to Safer Roads
Concluding her address, Sadegh called for a collective national effort to confront the road safety crisis, expressing optimism about the program’s potential impact: “We are confident that the implementation of this plan, aligned with the objectives of the 7th National Development Plan, will bring about a substantial and enduring reduction in road fatalities.”
This comprehensive initiative underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives, fostering economic stability and enhancing the overall well-being of society through a safer and more sustainable transportation system.
