Traffic gridlocks in major cities across the Kingdom have become a routine occurrence. It is true that the authorities are making all-out efforts to expand the existing civic infrastructure to cope with the situation. However, the issue needs to be handled in a different manner. The report “18m vehicles likely on Saudi roads by year-end” (Oct. 23) is a big reason to worry. According to statistics, 17 million vehicles are already plying on the Kingdom’s roads. With the addition of more vehicles, as the report suggests, the situation will become worse. I shudder with even the thought of the deluge of vehicles during rush hours.

Only a year ago, it took me 30 minutes to drive to my work, which is around 26 kilometers from my residence. Nowadays, the same distance is covered in around an hour. We face similar situation while on our way to supermarkets or any other place.

It is really frustrating and tiring for a person to sit behind the wheel for nearly six hours a day.

In addition to the expansion of civic infrastructure, the authorities should also work aggressively on mass transit projects across the country. Owning a vehicle is also very easy in the Kingdom due to which the number of cars is increasing at a rapid pace. Steps should be taken to encourage public transport system and discourage the use of personal cars. This can only be possible by doing away with easy installment plans.