Motorists here want the traffic authorities to reinstall the countdown timers on the city’s roads because they claim the current situation is causing accidents.

Several motorists said these accidents cause major congestion. They said the Saher cameras at the signals are not the answer to the city’s traffic problems.

Mohammed Hamid, a resident, said motorists traveling at high speeds are sometimes not able to stop in time when the light turns yellow and then crash into other cars.

He said the digital clocks help motorists reduce their speed before reaching the signals. This also helps them avoid getting fines.

Another resident, Ahmed Ali, said: “Traditional signals with Saher cameras installed do not provide information when a signal will change to green or red. This causes unnecessary stops and starts, and leads to congestion and accidents.”

Jaweed Ahmed, another resident, said the timers are especially needed on the city’s main roads to help reduce speeding and accidents.

Many residents also believe the timers help pedestrians. “It was easier to cross roads earlier when there were digital clocks mounted at signals. It is important for the traffic department to make Jeddah pedestrian-friendly too,” said Mohammed Yaseen, who lives in the city.

Ahmed Syed, another resident, said the Saher cameras have not yet reduced the frequency of traffic accidents. “Motorists also try to cross yellow traffic lights at high speeds to avoid being caught by the cameras, which causes problems for pedestrians. People also cross when the lights are yellow or green to avoid being hit from behind by other cars.”