Cabinet approves La Digue roads, bicycles and buggy policies amendments |09 March 2024
With the aim of enhancing road safety and legal compliance on La Digue island the Cabinet has approved amendments to several key regulations pertaining to land transport.
During a Cabinet briefing yesterday, Vice-President (VP) Ahmed Afif highlighted the importance of these changes, emphasising their significance for both legal clarity and the wellbeing of residents.
Presently, none of the roads on La Digue are officially named, rendering them unrecognised under the Road Act. To rectify this issue, the amendments empower the Seychelles Land Transport Agency (SLTA) and the department of Transport to conduct a survey in collaboration with La Digue residents.
This process will determine the boundaries, demarcations, and names for the island's roads, which will be formalised through a set of regulations under the Road Act.
“If a road has not been legally proclaimed, it is difficult for insurance purposes, and for any legal matters in dealing with violations on the road, since users are considered to not be on the road,” VP Afif explained.
Addressing safety concerns, the amendments also impose regulations on electric bicycles (e-bikes) on the island. E-bikes are restricted to a maximum power output of 300 watts, and individuals under 16 years of age will be prohibited from riding them.
Furthermore, children under 14 must wear helmets while riding bicycles. To facilitate compliance, bicycle rental businesses will through the regulations be mandated to provide helmets to clients under 14 years old.
Regarding buggies, the government has granted permission for owners to replace their current vehicles and to send them overseas for repairs. This decision aims to ensure that buggies on La Digue meet safety standards and contribute to the island's sustainable transport infrastructure.
Vice-President Afif emphasised the urgency of addressing these issues promptly, underscoring the government's commitment to fostering safe and efficient transport systems on La Digue.
The approved amendments have been made to the La Digue Land Transport Policy, the Road Transport Act and Regulations, the Road Act and the Licences (Road Transport) Regulations.
Laura Pillay