JEDDAH, 1 July — Taif police have banned four-wheeler buggies from being used at public parks after a huge increase of accidents involving them. The buggies, which are driven carelessly in parks crowded with young kids, have caused great disturbance to the public. “We decided to ban the buggies because they are not controlled neither by the owners nor by those who rent them,” said Capt. Muhammad Al-Swat of Taif police.
Capt. Al-Swat said children drive these buggies so crazily that they end up either hitting someone or barging into the middle of a family group. “There have been many cases where these buggies hit young kids, adults and even vehicles and most of these accidents end up with an unhappy result,” added Cap. Al-Swat.
In Jeddah, however, public are calling on authorities to ban the beach buggies that are “bugging” their peace.
The worst affected area is the south Corniche. Here, the buggies roar about disturbing picnickers and pouring out noise and smoke. It has got so bad that many families stopped going to the beach.
Yaser Al-Harthy, a father of four, said he hated going to the Corniche because of the buggies.
Hanan Halawani said she gets very nervous when there is a buggy near her children. “I just hate them. I cannot enjoy my stay at the Corniche because I spend my time chasing after the buggy-drivers who come near my kids,” said Hanan.
Lt. Hassan Al-Harbi of Jeddah police said they are working on a plan to control the buggies especially at areas where there are large crowds. “A ban may be issued soon but certainly they will be controlled,” said Al-Harbi.
