On August 5, the President of Uzbekistan signed the Law “On Highways” [No. O‘RQ-1162]. The law aims to develop the country's highway network, regulate their use, and govern relations in the road sector.

Under the new legislation, highways are classified into free and toll roads based on the usage regime. Public roads are state property, managed by the Committee on Highways, and are intended for unrestricted traffic.

The law introduces the concept of a roadside zone, defined as a land plot adjacent to the right-of-way on both sides, where special land-use conditions are established to ensure traffic safety. Minimum dimensions for these zones are specified.

Maintenance and repair of highways are to be carried out by road owners, including through engagement of specialized road organizations. Movement of oversized and heavy vehicles is permitted only with a special permit issued by the authorized body.

Decisions on the construction, reconstruction, and operation of toll roads are made by the President or the Cabinet of Ministers. A key requirement is the provision of a free alternative route for drivers.

Toll collection is introduced only if high-speed traffic and a high level of service are guaranteed. Users can enter into a public contract with the operator through various methods.

It is worth noting that Uzbekistan plans to build toll roads on the Tashkent–Samarkand, Tashkent–Andijan, Tashkent–Charvak, and Urgench–Khiva routes.

Source: www.gazeta.uz