INGENIEUR
INGENIEUR
congestion , reduce traffic accidents and mitigate environmental externalities generated by road transport . The secretariat is currently developing model intelligent transport systems for the Asian Highway network and promoting best practices on such deployments among member States .
Members States may wish to put greater attention on a more energy-efficient and environment friendly road sector , in particular through the development of intelligent transport systems .
Cross-Sectoral Infrastructure Synergies
The Committee on Transport at its fourth session expressed appreciation to the secretariat for having created the conditions for cross-sectoral co-operation through the organisation of the first joint session with the Committee on Information and Communications Technology .
The Committee noted that , in building a terrestrial meshed network of fibre , there was a strong incentive to leverage synergies across infrastructure sectors , notably that of transport . The Committee noted that a number of good practices already existed in the ESCAP region , resulting in win-win outcomes , including additional revenues for the host utilities and cheaper and more extensive fibre deployment , which would contribute to improved access to ICT at national and regional levels .
The Committee also noted the need to consider legislation at the national level to encourage open access to passive communication infrastructure , including that to be deployed along the Asian Highway and Trans-Asian Railway networks .
To promote synergies among ICT , energy and transport infrastructures , the Committee recommended that consideration should be given to amendments to the Intergovernmental Agreement on the Trans-Asian Railway Network and the Intergovernmental Agreement on the Asian Highway Network , which would include provisions for the co-deployment of fibre infrastructure along road and railway networks .
The Committee further recommended that issues related to such amendments be dealt with through future meetings of the working groups on the Asian Highway and Trans-Asian Railway networks , as established under the respective agreements .
Issues for Consideration
Further guidance on policies and approaches may be provided in relation to :
( a ) developing and upgrading the Asian Highway , including new technologies , such as intelligent transport systems ; ( b ) updating the Asian Highway database ; ( c ) improving road safety in the region ; ( d ) developing dry ports ; ( e ) improving linkages of the Asian Highway routes with local communities and economies ; and
( f ) aligning future development of the road sector with sustainable development goals .
The Malaysian Context
Two of the Asian Highways ’ routes which pass through Peninsula Malaysia are AH2 and AH18 in the north-south direction . With the rising number of road accidents and fatalities at local road networks , the Government has recently announced the implementation of the Automated Awareness Safety System and Kejara Demerit Points System , the standardization of of the maximum permitted weight of commercial vehicles , evaluation of road safety and accident investigation of East Coast Expressway 2 and the recommendations on improvement , and the execution of the International Road Safety Assessment Programme ( IRAP ) in Malaysia and implementation of its framework . The implementation of Malaysia Road Safety Plan 2014 – 2020 will also be reviewed . It is important that Malaysian engineers take cognizance of Asian Highway ’ s road design and policies in ensuring a safe and smooth ride for road users .
Source : ESCAP Working Group on the Asian Highway - “ Policies and issues relating to the development of the Asian Highway ”.
28 VOL 66 APRIL - JUNE 2016