RIYADH, 21 September 2004 — Installation of surveillance cameras, construction of speed breakers, redesigning accident-prone streets and driver’s education were among the measures suggested at the National Conference on Traffic Safety as it went into its second day yesterday.
The speakers were of the opinion that unless the safety measures were adopted on a priority basis, there could be an upsurge in accidents as the population of Riyadh was projected to grow from 4.5 million at present to 10.5 million by 2021. Already traffic accidents were causing a loss of SR8.26 billion annually.
Speaking to Arab News after the meeting, Deputy Minister of Transport Abdullah Al-Muqbil said one of the suggestions that came up for discussion was that the number of surveillance cameras should be increased to bring down the rate of accidents.
The success achieved in this direction was demonstrated by Col. Abdulrahman Al-Muqbil, director of Riyadh traffic control, who said the installation of three surveillance cameras at different locations reduced fatal road accidents by between 23.8 percent and 68.4 percent. The addition of a fourth camera on another road reduced fatalities in that sector by 60 percent.
The deputy minister proposed that mobile inspection teams should patrol the roads and highways to ensure that motorists adhere to the speed limit.
He said that by having in place a system of mobile inspection it would not only be possible to monitor the speeding vehicles but also to ensure that heavy duty vehicles are barred entry to roads where their movement is prohibited. The need for improving “safety audit” was also highlighted as part of measures to bring down the rate of accidents.
The discussions also focused on the role of the roads in causing accidents and what needs to be done to reduce traffic hazards. The need for a computerized system for speed control at intersections and in residential areas, besides the construction of speed breakers was also debated.
Asked if the number of motor driving schools would be increased as part of a national strategy to create safety awareness among the motorists, Al-Muqbil said “it is a must. Education and safety campaign have to be part of an ongoing program. Such a campaign should be across the board — ranging from drivers to pedestrians to the patrol police.”
Some two years ago, the traffic department of Riyadh had announced plans for opening 31 more schools in the Kingdom on the basis of feasibility studies conducted by it.
The deputy minister said it was also proposed that roads in the accident-prone areas should be redesigned to make them safe for the motorists. The participants suggested that the streets should display traffic signboards, stop signs, reflecting paints and signals, among other measures. The final recommendations are expected to be issued today.
