JEDDAH: The new traffic law, which has been drafted in conformity with modern developments, aims at achieving maximum safety on roads, said Maj. Gen. Fahd Al-Bishr, director of the Traffic Department. He urged Saudis and expatriates to abide by the traffic regulations.
Al-Bishr emphasized the need to change the attitude of road users in order to reduce traffic accidents in the country. “Drivers should act with responsibility and respect others,” he said.
Al-Bishr called upon public and private organizations to educate their employees about traffic regulations. “They should also link promotions and special benefits of employees to their traffic records,” Al-Jazirah Arabic daily quoted the official as saying.
Punishments — such as confiscation of driving license — will be given on the basis of number of traffic violations.
“If a person drives his car after his license has been seized, he would be sent to court for trial,” Al-Bishr said, adding that such action is necessary to deter others from committing the same offense.
He said judges at the proposed traffic courts would look into cases in the light of traffic violations. “We don’t want to punish anybody without any reason. We expect all road users to respect the law,” he pointed out.
Mohammed Al-Ruwaished, undersecretary at the Ministry of Education and head of the National Traffic Safety Committee, stressed the need to strictly enforce the new traffic law.
“All shortcomings of the previous law has been removed. The new law also takes into consideration modern developments and requirements. I am sure it can ensure road safety if strictly implemented,” he said.
He underlined the importance of enhancing public awareness about traffic regulations through media. “Maintaining the quality of roads and vehicles is also essential for road safety,” he added.
Col. Abdullah Al-Shahrani, chairman of the newly formed authority for traffic violations in Jeddah, said his organization would look into cases of dangerous traffic violations such as speeding, jumping red lights, joy riding and driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
Al-Shahrani said traffic and security officers found guilty of issuing tickets to motorists on false charges would face tough punishment and made to pay the fines they wrongly imposed.
