(MENAFN- Arab Times) Assistant Undersecretary for Traffic Affairs at the Ministry of Interior Major General Abdul Fattah Al-Ali has clarified that he did not impose annual fees on those who own two cars as the decision was based on the results of previous studies. Al-Ali made the statement when he visited a security checkpoint during the celebration of the national holidays along the Gulf Road on Feb 26
He also talked about the number of traffic violations recorded this year, affirming it is less than the previous years. He stressed the General Traffic Department (GTD) focuses on major violations like crossing the red light, driving without a license and reckless driving. He affirmed the law will be applied on everyone without discrimination. He pointed out the extensive security crackdowns led to a remarkable decline in the number of traffic accidents from 7,000 to 1,200 a month
He explained the main goal behind the issuance of traffic citations is to protect people's lives. He said if anyone feels he received a citation wrongly, he must approach the concerned department to deal with the issue. He added his office is always open to everyone
Meanwhile, Al-Ali disclosed there is a law on the issuance of driving licenses only to expatriates who hold a university degree with a salary of not less than KD400 and whose profession falls under the specified categories like doctors, teachers and engineers among others. He clarified that an expatriate with a university degree and salary of not less than KD400 but works as a barber will not be given a driving license. He went on to say that in previous years driving licenses were issued to more than 7,000 people annually; but the number has been reduced to not more than 800 in a year
Moreover, Al-Ali mentioned the total number of patrols deployed during the national holidays was 375 with 800 securitymen who guaranteed the safety of the public, especially the revelers. He said about 5,000 traffic citations were issued from Feb 25-26; indicating the GTD's aim is not to collect money through these operations but to put an end to traffic violations. Also, 400 vehicles and 125 motorcycles were impounded during the abovementioned period; in addition to the arrest of 75 minors for driving without a license, including a 15-year-old. He wondered where the parents of these teenagers are and why they allowed their children to drive
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