Workers at the King Fahd Causeway say they need more help to carry out their work effectively, including extra staff, shorter shifts and assistance to tackle unruly drunk drivers.

They also suggested that the causeway authority separate departure and arrivals departments, assign more workers in cabins and inspections, with a supervisor to ensure better performance, according to a recent report in local media.

They said that the passenger-handling departments must have additional staff, not only during national holidays, but also on weekdays. There should also be four shifts instead of three.

They said the current situation means that those coming to work on Monday at 11 p.m. must work until 3 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon, which means they have to work 16-hour shifts. Because of the long shifts, workers have to be divided into two groups, which affects work, especially during the holidays when large numbers of people cross the causeway, they said.

They said the government should also crack down on drunk drivers crossing the causeway, especially after midnight. They said these drivers are a danger to themselves and others.

These inebriated drivers constantly harass customs officials and create chaos in the customs yards.

In response to these grievances, spokesman for the customs department in Makkah Eisa Al-Eisa said there are enough workers at the causeway. In addition, workers are supported by luggage inspection devices, internal body inspection devices, X-ray systems for vehicles, and police dogs. There is further support provided during the holidays with more customs officers, he said.

Al-Eisa said traffic police are taking action against drunk drivers by arresting them.

He said customs officers confiscated goods worth SR987,850 between Aug. 26 and Oct. 4 this year from passengers on the causeway.