Algeria to stop cars importing

The government plans to take measures to stop cars importing which reached record levels. Around 650,000 cars were imported in 2012.

A draft law on imported cars conformity to the European Union’s standards will be passed in order to reduce traffic accidents.

The Algerian transport minister Amar Ghoul said the multiplied number of vehicles threatens routes especially in big cities including Algiers.

The government plans to approve some administrative or bureaucratic procedures to hinder cars purchasing process.

Ghoul said the National Cars Park counts 7 million cars and is expected to contain 9 million vehicles in 2016. “That number will not be suitable to the traffic network.”

According to sources, car dealers suggested to grant interest-free loans to buy cars while members of Parliament rejected this proposal. The Algerian industry minister Amara Benyounes stressed the necessity of imported cars conformity to the European Union’s accredited standards.

The transport minister committed to examine a suggestion submitted by deputies to reduce traffic accidents by raising fines against drivers who violate traffic code.