The Algerian Ministry of Transport plans to ban all old and dangerous vehicles from the roads in an attempt to prevent road accidents.

The proposal will be presented to the government for approval, according to Arabic news sources.

The ministry will develop the criteria for the forcible retirement of vehicles aged 30 years or over, distances travelled and condition.

The plan follows an increase in road fatalities in the country in the first half of 2009, where there was a 7% rise in road deaths compared to the same period last year.

A cut in on-road hours for drivers of public service vehicles to prevent fatigue is another measure believed to be considered by the government.