JEDDAH, 24 November 2004 — The director of public security yesterday launched an automatic answering system at the department’s headquarters in Riyadh. The new telephone number (292-8888) allows drivers to inquire about traffic violations and fines.
“By contacting this number and entering their ID numbers, people will be able to learn the number and type of the traffic violations they have committed as well as the dates in which they were given tickets and the total fines,” said Capt. Zaid Al-Hazzani, director of the follow-up section.
He said the new program was part of an effort to develop computer services as well as other technological services within public security. All the services are available both in Arabic and English.
People also can present their complaints or proposals and give observations on matters related to public security by contacting 989, Capt. Al-Hazzani said. The 989 facility, which is available round the clock, has 30 lines and a voice-mail system.
People also can request application forms for the renewal of drivers licenses, car registrations and other purposes, or they can inquire about public security tenders, regulations related to import of firecrackers and conditions for the renewal of licenses of shops selling military uniforms.
“We will send application forms to callers through their fax numbers,” he pointed out.
Lt. Gen. Saeed Al-Qahtani, director of the public security, said the new automatic answering program was introduced as part of the department’s effort to avail its services to both Saudis and expatriates.
He said public security was studying the introduction of a toll-free number as well as unifying its emergency numbers.
“All workers in the automatic-answering program have attended special training programs and are ready to do the work,” he added.
Al-Qahtani later stood in front of the board of honor on which the names of officers who were either killed or injured in recent terrorist attacks have been inscribed.
“This is a simple token of appreciation for those heroes who gave their lives for the preservation of the Kingdom’s security and stability,” the Saudi Press Agency quoted him as saying.
