Qatar- Patrols stepped up to manage Ramadan traffic
(MENAFN- The Peninsula) B-ring road saw huge traffic on the first day of Ramadan. Pic by Abdul B/The Peninsula
By Sidi Mohamed
DOHA: More than 60 patrolling teams have been deployed across Qatar to ensure smooth traffic during the Holy Month of Ramadan, a senior official of the Traffic Department said yesterday.
Several charities and government entities have come together to distribute Iftar to motorists as a support to the fasting people and also to reduce the pre-Iftar rush and speeding on the roads, which is a major cause of traffic accidents during Ramadan, said Major General Mohammed Rashid Odaiba, Assistant Director of Media and Traffic Awareness Department at the General Directorate of Traffic told The Peninsula.
The Ministry of Transport and Communications said yesterday that it has launched the “Street Iftar” campaign in collaboration with Sheikh Thani Bin Abdullah Foundation for Humanitarian Services (RAF). The Ministry is distributing 200 Iftar meals to drivers and other commuters at the most crowded traffic lights in order to reduce road accidents at the time of Iftar and also to help those whose are forced to work until late in the afternoon, the Ministry said yesterday. The campaign will continue throughout the holy month.
Odaiba said that the Traffic Department has intensified patrolling in the streets since the beginning of Ramadan.
Ten patrolling teams are on duty in the morning until afternoon while another 20 to 25 teams have been deployed in the evening until late night. Patrolling personnel on motorcycles have also been monitoring the streets in the evening since they cannot work in the day due to high temperature, said Odaibi.
“These are patrolling teams deployed only by the Traffic Department. There are other teams of Al Fazaa and Lakhwiya, taking the total number to more than 60,” he added. They are focusing the most crowded areas, especially the commercial streets and traditional markets which attract more visitors during Ramadan.
He said the ban on trucks from entering the Doha city in peak hours during Ramadan has been effectively implemented. “Most truck drivers comply with the rule by entering the city early in the morning before the rush hours. However, there are a few violations,” said the official.
He said free Iftar kits are being distributed to motorists at most signals in a bid to address the pre-Ifar speeding. The Traffic Department will distribute Iftar to commuters heading to and from the Abu Samra border post next week.
“We have selected Abu Samra border post because it is some 90km away from Doha and the highway and there is more possibility for speeding by motorists on the highway before Iftar,” he added.
The Peninsula