Uzbekistan’s new road law classifies roads as free or toll routes based on their access regime, the Justice Ministry’s legal information channel reported.
A toll road may be introduced only if a safe and traffic-ready free route exists between the same population centres.
The president or Cabinet of Ministers will decide on the construction, reconstruction and operation of toll roads. Charges may be imposed only when high travel speeds and services are provided along the entire route.
Drivers will be able to enter a public contract with a toll-road operator when joining the road, by paying at a toll point or by purchasing a road pass.
Roads are divided by function into three groups: public roads, streets in cities and other population centres, and service roads.
Public roads remain state property under the authority of the Committee for Roads, which has been designated the sector’s specially authorised body.
Oversized and heavy vehicles will be allowed to use roads only with a special permit issued by the authorised body or one of its territorial offices.
Minimum right-of-way widths are set at 80 metres for Category I roads, 60 metres for Category II, 40 metres for Categories III and IV, and 25 metres for Category V. The law took effect on 5 August, and road owners are responsible for maintenance and repairs.
