JEDDAH: The Riyadh Traffic Department carried out extensive campaigns on the main streets, intersections and squares in the city to boost traffic safety levels and discourage bad driving.

During the first 72 hours of the campaign, traffic personnel recorded 15,415 violations on the streets of Riyadh. Undercover and official traffic patrols registered 301 violations involving running red lights. The erring drivers were arrested and their vehicles impounded. Traffic patrols arrested 14 drifters and 208 enthusiasts who were watching the illegal sport.

During the campaign, 243 vehicles were impounded for various traffic offenses.

Brig. Gen. Mohammed Al-Bugami, director of the Riyadh Traffic Department, was quoted as saying to local media that the relevant rules will be applied against the violators. “The rules sanction detention, impounding of the vehicle and fines,” he said.

Al-Bugami said the campaign will continue unabated. “The campaign involves two main components: directing motorists to avoid the bad driving and educate them about traffic laws.

“Our officers strict in enforcing the law against offenders who do not respect traffic rules and regulations,” he said. “This is all aimed at maintaining the safety of every single individual on the road.” Al-Bugami said the traffic department seeks to boost the level of relations between traffic personnel and motorists to guide and direct drivers who commit minor traffic violations.