Podgorica, (MINA) – The government adopted on Thursday the Bill amending the Law on Road Traffic Safety, introducing stricter rules for young drivers and electric scooter users, increasing fines, as well as expanding the powers of police officers and municipal police.

Deputy Prime Minister Aleksa Becic emphasized at the press conference the importance of this legal act, especially considering the high traffic fatality rates.

He explained that the reform of traffic safety regulations is focused on four areas: preventive and repressive measures, modernization and introduction of advanced technology, improvement of road infrastructure and strengthening the legal framework.

Becic said that the Bill introduces clear rules for young drivers and electric scooter users, which are banned for persons under the age of 16, with sanctions envisaged for parents who violate this provision.

He said that a new category of young drivers up to 21 years of age is being introduced, who are prohibited from driving between midnight and 5 a.m., as well as from operating vehicles with engine power of more than 80 kW, except when accompanied by an experienced driver.

Becic said that the Bill should be submitted to the Parliament on Friday to be included on the agenda of the first sitting of the spring session.

Director of the Police Administration, Lazar Scepanovic, speaking about traffic safety, pointed out that the strategic goal of the state is to protect the citizens’ lives and reduce the number of traffic fatalities.

According to him, the new legislation introduces a systemic approach and responsibility of the state, with a focus on safer roads, vehicles and traffic users, as well as more efficient post-accident procedures.

When asked by journalists about progress in the search for fugitives Milos Medenica and former special prosecutor Lidija Mitrovic, Scepanovic said that police officers are working intensively to locate them, but that disclosing any detail of their activities would jeopardize the process.

Commenting on the recent videos allegedly made by Medenica, Scepanovic said that the Police Administration has informed the State Prosecutor’s Office about them.

“Together with partner services, we are working to identify the person behind the social network profile”, he said, stressing that the public will be informed once all legal requirements are met.