Addis Ababa to get speed radars.

11 Jul, 2006

The Ethiopian Transport Authority (ETA) is to buy 25 radar machines for monitoring speeding in Addis Ababa in an attempt to curb dangerous driving. The decision follows the introduction of radar equipment along the Modjo corridor south of Addis Ababa otherwise known as the killing field of Ethiopia because of its reputation for poor road safety in 2003.

Road accidents killed 345 people and left 2,590 others injured in Addis Ababa from 8 July 2004-7 July 2005 according to official figures. Speeding and mechanical problems were largely to blame.

The machines will be used along the main roads leading into the capital, according to the independent English-language business weekly Addis Fortune. They will be operated by ETA employees, who have already received training from Canadians from the International Road Safety Academy. However, no timetable has been given for their introduction.