The traffic department in Dammam is doing its best to organize traffic and chase up those who violate the law. Their presence inside the city has declined because they are positioned at entry points to the city to ensure its safety after the recent terrorist events.
But is it necessary for the police to be present everywhere to organize traffic? Is it necessary for the traffic department to position their police officers at intersections to remind drivers to wear their seat belts, or for there to be a police car in every street to monitor violations?
Of course not. Organizing traffic could be much easier and would not require the presence of police if there were tough traffic regulations and drivers were forced to obey them. Deterrent penalties could include giving the driver a violation ticket, temporarily jailing the driver or confiscating the car, depending on the violation.
There was little traffic on the Jubail-Dammam Highway when police banned heavy trucks from driving on the highway during peak time. Now with the police presence reduced on the highway, it is jammed once again.
Accidents are happening because trucks are back on the highway and there are no police to stop them. Other violations happen all the time too. There are people who sell food and vegetables in the streets everywhere taking up space much needed for traffic. Also there are children who hang around the traffic lights to sell their products.
Even goats are sold in intersection despite the fact that there are places for them in the animal market. I nearly got involved in a car accident myself when I almost hit one of those fruit sellers. There are even people who sell birds, antiques and rugs. The police cannot be at every intersection or in every street. But enforcing tough regulations could put an end to many violations.
