The UN in Asia Pacific (UNESCAP) has recently adopted a new safety standard for the Asian Highway network (which spans 140,000km across 32 countries including all of Asia, Central Asia and Russia).

The document adopts the Safe System approach, outlining ‘Member countries are encouraged to ensure that new roads of the Asian Highway network are 3-star or better (based on star ratings of the International Road Assessment Programme) for all road users and that more than 75 per cent of travel on existing roads is 3-star or better for all road users.’

Access the key document here

At the recent ADB Transport Forum in Manila (12-14 September), it was reinforced that together with the ADB, iRAP is working with countries to set star rating policy targets, build national capacity to deliver their own RAP programme and build a pipeline of results-based investment that will save lives and reduce serious injuries through the Asia Pacific region. iRAP is currently working with ADB in projects throughout Asia Pacific, including in Pakistan, Vietnam, China and Samoa.

Read more on iRAP’s involvement at the ADB Transport Forum here

Special Announcement from the Word Transport Convention 2018:  In June 2018,  iRAP was announced as a founding Board member of the Belt and Road International Transport Alliance (BRITA) to support capacity building and sharing of technical standards across supporting countries. The unprecedented investment in road, rail and maritime infrastructure will transform trade and economic cooperation across the the Asia Pacific and the world. Delivering safest mode choice and 3 and 4-star or better roads will ensure road safety benefits join the other great outcomes of this partnership.

Read more about the WTC 2018 Event and the announcement