News

Volvo Construction Equipment believes its ascendancy in the Chinese market is behind its record annual sale of 84,000 machines in 2011.

Chinese construction equipment firm Sany is buying Putzmeister, the German manufacturer of concrete pumps. The terms of the deal have not been revealed officially but the acquisition is said to be worth €360-500 million according to various reports.

Road safety measures can help cut crashes, image courtesy of World Highways reader Mike Hughes

Improved road safety in Japan has been revealed, following the release of the latest official statistics. During 2016 there were 3,904 road deaths in Japan, a drop of 213 from the previous year. The data is significant as this is the lowest level of recorded road fatalities for 67 years and the first time in this period that road deaths have dropped below 4,000. The reasons for Japan’s improved road safety are thought to include better road design, safer vehicles and gains in traffic safety education measur

The contract for a key road project in Zambia has been awarded, which will help improve its international connections. Worth US$210 million, the project involves upgrading the existing M3 route connecting Mwenda with Kashiba. The 98km road upgrade will help increase safety and capacity and will boost transport connections between Mwenda and Kashiba, both of which are in Zambia’s western Luapula Province, as well as with the Democratic Republic of Congo just over the border. Heading eastwards meanwhile, the

Loans from China will help pay for new road projects in Ethiopia. Two loans worth a total of US$170 million are being provided by the Export-Import Bank of China. One road project loan will be worth $120 million and the other worth $50 million. The country is seeing its transport network being revitalised with a series of projects that are intended to help develop its future economic growth.

Concern is being expressed in Cambodia at its high road death rate. Official data from the National Police reveals that there were 1,717 people reported killed in crashes in Cambodia during 2016. January 2016 saw the greatest number of fatal incidents, while there were also 6,607 people seriously injured in road crashes throughout the year. Key factors in causing crashes include drink driving, speeding, breaking road traffic laws and being excessively tired while driving. The highest numbers of people being

The city of Mumbai officially has the worst record for road safety in India. During 2015, 586 people were killed in road crashes in the city, while a further 2,034 suffered serious injuries and there were 23,468 recorded crashes. Official statistics for 2016 have yet to be revealed but it is hoped that some of the city’s recent traffic measures will help reduce the toll. Cameras have been installed at key junctions with around 4,000 units now in operations, while police have become much tougher on enforcing

Road crashes in Australia are presenting a major problem for the health of the country’s population as well as its economy. According to data from the Australian Government road crashes hit the country’s economy annually to the tune of US$20.36 billion (A$27 billion). In New South Wales road crashes cost an estimated A$7 billion/year while in neighbouring Victoria crashes cost from A3 billion-A$4 billion/year. Around half of the cost of road crashes in New South Wales comes from providing hospital treatment

A survey of pedestrians in Thailand has revealed that many are concerned for their safety when crossing the road in the country. According to the research, close to 91% of respondents said that they have concerns for their safety when crossing the road. The poll revealed that motorists will often not slow down or stop when pedestrians are crossing the road. Drink driving is a particular cause for concern according to the poll.

The tender process is opening in Poland for a stretch of highway connecting Napierki with Mlawa. This 14km stretch of the S7 dual carriageway is the first of four sections of the route to be offered for tender. The bidding process for the project is being managed by the Polish General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways (GDDKiA). Bids have to be received by the 21st February 2017, with 18 firms having been invited to tender for the work. The total value of the work to construct the four sections of