In Tashkent, metal fences and concrete barriers are being installed again, which were removed 7 years ago due to threats to pedestrians and drivers. The costs are covered by the budget. Urbanists warn: fences worsen visibility, provoke speed increases, and may raise the number of fatal traffic accidents. Authorities, who previously acknowledged this, now remain silent.
Most concrete dividers and metal fences on Tashkent's roads were dismantled in 2018. At that time, both the Road Safety Service and the khokimiyat recognized that such structures pose a threat to pedestrians and traffic participants.
However, after 7 years, barriers have started to return. By decisions of Tashkent Khokim Shavkat Umurzakov, signed in May and July 2025, 8.4 billion soums were allocated for installing fences in the dividing parts of streets. On several highways, green-colored fine-mesh fences have appeared.
According to open data, a tender was held on December 3, 2025, with Qarshi Stroy Sentr LLC recognized as the winner with a proposal of 6 billion soums.
Recently, a fence installed on Mirzo Ulugbek Street was dismantled after a week. According to Gazeta.uz, the reason was insufficient height of the structure. Reinstallation is expected—a taller version this time.
Officially, it is stated that the goal of the work is to improve traffic safety and reduce the number of accidents involving pedestrians. However, experts interviewed by Kun.uz consider the decision erroneous.
Urbanist Iskandar Soliev notes that the problem has long been criticized by specialists. According to him, in a dense urban environment, people naturally seek the shortest paths and will still cross the road where it is more convenient for them.
He recalls that similar fences were previously installed near traffic lights—on sections up to 50–100 meters—to direct pedestrians to crosswalks. Similar solutions were applied in other cities, particularly in Andijan.
In Soliev's opinion, the presence of fences can create an illusion of complete safety for drivers, psychologically pushing them to increase speed.
Urban planner Khusan Mukimov, who worked at the Tashkent Architectural Institute in 2015–2016, notes that mass installation of fences at that time spread not only in the capital but also in the regions.
According to him, such decisions do not correspond to basic principles of urbanism and spoil the city's architectural appearance. In regulatory documents, the specialist asserts, such requirements are absent or are only permitted outside city limits—on sections with high-speed traffic.
He also draws attention to the lack of a unified standard: structures differ in height and type, and it is unclear on what calculations and state norms they are designed.
Road safety expert Nosirjon Zokirov emphasizes the budgetary aspect of the problem. According to him, dismantling old fences and reinstalling new ones means double expenses.
He cites data showing that when comparing 2024 and 2025, the number of fatalities in traffic accidents decreased by only 11 people—an insignificant indicator. In the expert's opinion, decisions are made without sufficient consultation with specialists.
Iskandar Soliev believes that instead of installing fences, it is necessary to:
He emphasizes the importance of publishing detailed traffic accident statistics for developing targeted solutions.
Khusan Mukimov, in turn, believes that Tashkent needs a professional transport strategy involving urbanists, architects, and relevant specialists. In his view, only a comprehensive analysis will determine where to reduce roadway width, where to open new streets, and where to change the functional purpose of space.
Nosirjon Zokirov adds that it is necessary to strengthen teaching children road safety rules at the school curriculum level.
The Kun.uz editorial board sent inquiries to the Tashkent khokimiyat and the city road safety management, but we did not receive official responses.
Source: kun.uz