Three and a Half Million Motorcycles Operate in Tehran

The head of the Urban Traffic Police of the NAJA has reported that three million and 500 thousand motorcycles are operating in Tehran, each producing up to eight times the pollution of a car. According to a report from the state news agency IRIB on Thursday, September 1, Davood Ghasemian also mentioned that there are 10 million motorcycles operating nationwide. The number of motorcycles in Tehran is such that it cannot be compared to any other city in Iran. Air and noise pollution, risky behaviors, non-standard use of this vehicle such as passenger transport and carrying unusual loads, and law violations including running red lights and crossing pedestrian lines are among the infractions committed by motorcycle riders in Tehran. The news agency also reported that motorcycles in Tehran have incredibly changed their function to vehicles like taxis and pickups, and in some cases, minibuses, and in addition to transporting passengers, families of five or six use them for urban and even intercity travel. The report adds that currently, we are witnessing the transportation of refrigerators, stoves, cabinets, and chairs, as well as boxes weighing several tens of kilograms by motorcycles smaller than Vespas. The lack of helmet use among motorcyclists is also cited as one reason for the high fatality rate of motorcycle riders in accidents compared to other vehicles. According to published statistics, 61% of fatalities in motorcycle accidents occur due to the lack of helmet use and head injuries. Traffic police officials have repeatedly reported the seizure of thousands of motorcycles in various cities across Iran and stated that motorcycle riders play a 'special role' in urban accidents. This vehicle is also referred to as 'a nuisance in society and the traffic cycle.' The IRIB has reported that the absence of 'deterrent laws' is one of the effective factors in the disorder and inadequacy in the area of motorcycle traffic and violations, stating: 'The lack of identity for some motorcycles and the significant difference in fines compared to their purchase cost has made controlling and organizing this vehicle more challenging.' As the former head of Tehran's traffic police stated, the parking lots of this city have turned into a mass of seized motorcycles, where sometimes owners opt to abandon the release of their seized motorcycles to avoid paying fines and instead purchase another motorcycle, as buying a new one is considered more cost-effective than paying the fine.