The Saudi government has banned the import of second hand playground rides and spare parts because of the increasing number of accidents involving young children.

These rides generate an estimated SR6 billion a year, which is about 10 percent of the country’s tourism income. Experts say theme parks have poor safety measures and owners neglect routine maintenance.

Government has ordered Saudi customs officials to confiscate all secondhand rides and spare parts over five years of age.

The Saudi Council of Chambers has encouraged investors to tender for projects to carry out routine maintenance of these rides.

A government committee has issued nine recommendations to prevent accidents on these rides at indoor and outdoor theme parks, including licensing and monitoring operators.

The committee includes the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities, Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO), Saudi Customs and Saudi Council of Chambers.

The recommendations include having the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs close down unlicensed workshops making rides, and for the Civil Defense to sign contracts with companies authorized to issue safety certificates.

The Civil Defense should also be allowed to partially or completely close theme parks for violating safety regulations.

The SASO and the trade ministry should compile a list of the names and addresses of licensed ride manufacturers in the Kingdom, to ensure they comply with issued specifications.

The Civil Defense has recommended that theme parks should have mandatory insurance cover because this would force owners to ensure quality maintenance.

Theme park supervisors say there is no control over the quality of the rides, or ensuring maintenance with original spare parts. They say some rides are repainted and reused. Many are installed at roadside and picnic areas without licenses, they say.

Capt. Mohammad Al-Hammadi, spokesman for the Civil Defense in Riyadh, said compulsory insurance was not the only solution. He said SASO has a list of accredited companies that can issue safety certificates.

He said the governor of Riyadh has set up a committee to compile a list and detailed report of all amusement parks in the city. Officials should then test the rides at these parks, he said.

Al-Hammadi said the Civil Defense would also check where the rides were bought and ensure they are properly operated and maintained. He said all rides should have safety signs and seat belts.