Saudi- Gas trucks to be tracked for safety

(MENAFN- Arab News) The Civil Defense has issued new regulations to ensure gas is transported safely between cities including tracking trucks via global positioning systems (GPS) and monitoring their speed.

A source at the Civil Defense was quoted as saying in a local newspaper recently that other rules include drivers needing mandatory international certificates to transport dangerous substances.

In addition the National Gas Company must have pre-planned routes for their trucks which must ensure they move as far as possible from important facilities said Brig. Abdullah Alshagheethri head of public safety at the Civil Defense.

The Civil Defense recently reassured the public that it was safe to have stores selling gas in residential neighborhoods noting that no accidents have been recorded.

He said it was difficult to have these stores outside residential areas. However owners of these businesses must have permits to operate approved by the municipality and Civil Defense.

'The decision to have these shops inside residential areas is to make it easier and convenient for residents. Moving them further away will be costly and tiresome for customers especially those living in large neighborhoods' he said.

Alshagheethri said a security committee comprising representatives of the ministry would follow up on the implementation of instructions regarding the movement of gas tankers.

Meanwhile he said that the Civil Defense has issued specific safety requirements for certain activities in line with international technical requirements.