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PM announces tougher controls on vehicles after Croatia crash

10.08.2022 15:45
Poland’s prime minister on Wednesday said there would be more stringent checks on all cars, especially tour buses carrying children to holiday destinations, in the wake of a fatal crash involving a Polish bus in Croatia.
Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki meets reporters in Brwinów, central Poland, on Wednesday, August 10, 2022.
Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki meets reporters in Brwinów, central Poland, on Wednesday, August 10, 2022.PAP/Mateusz Marek

Mateusz Morawiecki made the announcement at a news conference in the central Polish town of Brwinów, state news agency PAP reported.

He said: “We are all shaken by the crash that happened in Croatia. Unfortunately not all causes of this accident have been determined yet, but it appears that the vehicle was fit for use.”

Morawiecki extended his “deepest sympathy” to the families of the 12 people killed in the crash and thanked emergency services for their “committed involvement” in the rescue effort.  

He stated that “the government is doing all it can“ to bring the injured back to Poland for treatment in domestic hospitals.

“Naturally, this is only possible for those whose health won’t be jeopardised by the journey,” he added.

Morawiecki said: “I have ordered the Main Inspectorate of Road Transport (GITD) to step up checks on all vehicles, especially tour buses carrying children on holiday.”

He added that the government had spent PLN 3 billion (EUR 640,000) on "additional traffic lights, roundabouts and pavements, among other investments, to improve traffic safety." 

Morawiecki also said that those guilty of drink-driving “must face heavy sentences for their actions."

He noted that Poland recently introduced a series of road safety measures, including a "general speed limit of 50 kph in built-up areas" and "new rules that eliminate dangerous situations stemming from insufficient spaces between vehicles on highways and expressways," the PAP news agency reported.

(pm/gs)

Sources: PAPwp.pl