Traffic patrols to ensure safety on Jeddah’s roads

Tens of thousands of visitors are crowding the streets of Jeddah, since it is the gateway to the Two Holy Mosques, in addition to its malls, shopping centers and summer festivals. 
Many visitors say traffic jams waste their time, and called on authorities to devise a strategy that will limit traffic congestion. “Traffic congestions are suffocating; I need three hours to complete a one-hour journey,” said Ibrahim Al Ghamidi, resident of Palestine Street in Jeddah. 
Mohammad Abdul Qader said he loves summer but he can’t enjoy it with the family, because of the traffic congestions and the many visitors from inside and outside the Kingdom. 
Omar Al Hazimi, from the Southern Province, loves Jeddah because of its shopping centers, but the problem that bothers him is traffic congestions, which cause delays and extend the time to complete a single journey by three folds. 
Awad Al Muteiri, resident of Madinah, likes to take his family to Jeddah, because of its advanced medical services. He books his appointments quite early because of the traffic congestions. “The Jeddah congestions are not about to end; its hospitals and clinics are always crowded, so you have to be on time, or you will wait all day to see a doctor”, he said.
“Jeddah authorities need to reduce the number of traffic lights, which is the main cause of the congestion, prevent cars from stopping at the scene of an accident, and regulate traffic near strategic facilities such as hospitals and shopping centers,” he added.
Fuad Al Zahrani spoke about the careless young men, who drive irresponsibly. Some of them drive in the wrong direction. The traffic department concentrates on jumping the red lights, and imposes  a fine of SR 300 for this violation, but they should pay more attention to other violations as well. 
Lt-Col. Zaid Al Hamzi, public relations director, Jeddah traffic department, said the department issued directives to all traffic departments in the Kingdom to start a two-week campaign and double its presence in the streets to regulate traffic, raise the level of traffic safety and concentrate on violations that could lead to accidents.