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Tribune News Network
Doha
More than 60 percent of intersections in Doha are now equipped with the new smart radar system which captures traffic violations such as overtaking from the right, stopping at yellow box junctions, speeding and jumping a signal, Brigadier Mohammed Saad al Kharji, Director the Ministry of Interior's (MoI) Traffic Department, has said. A total of 52 such radars have been installed so far.
"The new radar system covers many intersections such as 'Ramada', Al Waab area and airport road," Kharji said, pointing out that the first phase of deployment focused on intersections that see frequent overtaking from the right and other such violations.
He said the Traffic Department would continue to cover all regions as part of the framework of a comprehensive plan for the country-wide adoption of the new radar system.
"Under the new system, violations will be recorded instantly through cameras without the need for the presence of police officers," Kharji said, stressing that the General Directorate of Traffic is constantly taking new measures to ensure safety of road users.
He said overtaking from the right is not only a serious traffic violation under the amended traffic law, but also an uncivilised behaviour, which however is witnessing a significant decrease.
Kharji said monthly statistics indicated that traffic violations are on the decline, thanks to measures taken by the department. He said the Traffic Department's primary aim is to educate motorists about traffic rules and not collection of fines.
On a different note, the Brigadier praised the department's awareness campaigns launched this summer, targeting motorists' risky behaviours such as using mobile phones while driving.
The Traffic Department Director warned against such behaviours, pointing out that the department's statistics indicate that there is a correlation between engaging with mobile devices and the violations, citing recent incidents where a number of vehicles swerved across the road while drivers were busy using 'Whatsapp' on their cellphones.
Kharji said the Traffic Department launched this campaign in the wake of increased use of mobile phones for playing 'Pokemon Go' game and the rise of the selfie-taking phenomenon, reported Al Watan.
The Brigadier said the campaign is already proving to be successful, adding that the department will be announcing official statistics on those recently booked for 'using mobile devices while driving'.
