Mexico - National Report Strategic Direction Session ST2: Roads and quality of life.

This document describes the current state of interurban highways and the situation regarding transportation in general in Mexico (Technical Committee No. C4), as well as budget changes during the past four years, (1998 to 2001). It is clear, from the information shown, that these budgets have been increased and that our priorities have been the modernization and conservation of the main federal highways. Planning has been carried out by means of a process to identify necessities and draw up annual activity programs, through which resources are allocated and projects are followed up. Activities carried out in the area of urban transportation are described, (Technical Committee C10). These aim to mitigate the shortfall caused in this field by increased population growth during the past 20 years. On the subject of sustainable development, (Technical Committee C14) the definition of this term as used in Mexico is given, as well as actions taken during the past four years in relation to economic or financial aspects, ecological or environmental and social factors. These factors interact in a system in which the financial component supplies the resources for improvement through the others, seeking a reduction in highway accident rates, a reduction in the environmental impact caused by vehicular traffic and construction works and improved access to transportation services by the population of the most isolated rural areas. The means of implementing these actions have been use of the said process for planning and evaluation in addition to legislation on environmental protection and ecological balance. In the case of improved road safety, with the participation of different interested public and private organizations, a committee has been formed for the prevention of accidents on federal highways. Some descriptive elements are included on the current state of heavy duty transportation, (Technical Committee No. C19), in addition to changes which have taken place in this area during the past four years, including those implemented under the rules of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). For the covering abstract see ITRD E135448.