The study of the possibility of switching driving side in Rwanda

Abstract

Harmonisation of driving laws of Rwanda with the surrounding East Africa Community (EAC) countries, which mostly drive on the left-hand side of the road, would lead to improved links between these strategic trading partners. A study to assess techno-economic viability of switching drive side from the right to left was therefore undertaken during February to August, 2009. A bottom-up approach involving wide ranging public consultation at each stage was employed. Two alternative scenarios, (i) a Do Nothing (DN) option, i.e. continue to drive as it is in the right hand side and a Do Something (DS) option, which means switching driving side from right to left were developed for an evaluation period of 20 years. All of the foregoing factors (vehicle demand projection, cost of vehicle purchase and maintenance, accidents, business interests between Rwanda, EAC and Common Market of East and Southern Africa (COMESA) countries and other neighbours) have been evaluated for the next 20 years for both options, including the financial, economic and safety impacts. According to the study if decision were made to switch despite minor increase in material only damage accidents, overall economic and financial benefit would be very substantial, which is also supported by the majority of the stakeholders (54 %).