(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Director General of Traffic, Brigadier Saad bin Mohamed al-Kharji, and Public Health director, Sheikh Dr Mohamed bin Hamad al-Thani, have hailed the efforts being made at different levels in Qatar to reduce road traffic accidents.
While speaking on the sidelines of the 5th Forum of the Stakeholder Co-ordinators, held yesterday to coincide with the launch of the 2nd Qatar Action Plan (2018-2022), Brigadier al-Kharji said enhanced monitoring of traffic violations, stringent punishments for violators, installation of intelligent traffic systems and above all the rapidly improving road conditions are among the factors that have contributed significantly to the reduction in road fatalities since the launch of the 1st Qatar Action Plan in January 2013.
While there were 235 traffic casualties in 2013, the number came down to 178 in 2016 and between January and November of 2017, only 162 deaths were reported in road traffic accidents in Qatar.
The official pointed out that effective laws are in place and they have stipulated a minimum fine starting from QR3,000 for violations by bike riders. This included fines for riders whose bikes, fitted with additional gadgets, make loud noises.
'Apart from this, there is also a provision for arresting such violators, he said while adding that though there was a reduction in the number of deaths in bike accidents there are still a number of cases of severe injuries to the riders.
The official also informed there have been cases of even pedestrians getting injured while using mobile phones on the roads.
Replying to a query on the necessity of better use of public transport in the country, Brigadier al-Kharji hoped there would be more public transport users when the Doha Metro starts operations in less than two years from now as there could be bus services to link the stations.
While echoing similar sentiments, Sheikh Dr Mohamed al-Thani hoped there would be increased co-operation from the country's residents, especially expatriates, in making the 2nd Qatar Action Plan a big success.
Kuwait's assistant undersecretary of traffic affairs Major General Fahad al-Shuwaei said Qatar's interest in improved road networks highlighted the country's concern to solving traffic woes and also showed the keenness on traffic safety.
Oman Traffic Department director general Brigadier General Dr Mohamed Awad al-Rawas expressed happiness at the increasing interest Qatar is showing road safety.
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