Saudi- 16 new Saher cameras set up across EP

(MENAFN- Arab News) The Eastern Province traffic department has installed 16 new Saher cameras across the region with improved data-capturing technology.The new system is more accurate and matches the traffic department's registered data with images taken by the cameras including the identity numbers of owners the vehicle's structure number plates and color.If one of these does not match a violation is recorded and the driver informed of the result. Col. Ali Al-Zahrani press spokesman of the department reportedly said recently that the 16 cameras have been set up in Dammam Alkhobar and Dhahran.He said there are 13 locations in the Eastern Province where cameras have been set up to monitor speed. The Saher system has helped to reduce traffic violations including speeding and increased awareness among drivers he said.Al-Zahrani also reportedly said that the Bashir system has recorded 95000 traffic violations since it was introduced six months ago. This is the system launched by the Interior Ministry that has traffic officers with handheld devices linked to the department which can immediately register violations.While some have welcomed the innovation others are not so happy. Khalid Al-Ghamdi said the automated system is more accurate and objective but Mohammad Al-Hajiri said he was not convinced because he believes that it has made many errors.Abdullah Al-Ajami said the new system does not take into account people who have chronic illnesses such as heart disease whom he claims are not allowed to fasten their seatbelts. He said traffic officers must check to see whether drivers have these problems before issuing a fine.Saudi Al-Thimali said he got a ticket for parking incorrectly and did not have a chance to explain to the traffic officer that he was waiting for his family to come out of a local market.Meanwhile the traffic department has agreed to provide the Eastern Province Traffic Safety Council also known as Salama with videos taken by Saher cameras. Salama plans to conduct a study on the system including the conduct of violators. Abdulhamid Al-Maujil Salama's secretary general said the study could help to improve the system's efficiency.