File picture used for representation.
As cases of stunt-driving and drifting see a rise during the holy month of Ramadan, especially late in the night, Investigation Section of the General Directorate of the Traffic Department is stepping on the gas to curb the practice this year with strict action against violators.
“The Investigation Section will strictly monitor such cases during upcoming Ramadan and punish violators,” a source at the Ministry of Interior told The Peninsula.
“Last year, we seized more than 30 vehicles. Now, the public is also cooperating with us and residents can send pictures of cases and we will follow the violators”, he said.
He said that punishment included hefty fines which might reach QR3,000 or more and impounding of the vehicles for a maximum of three months. Cases of repeat violation will be transferred to public prosecution, he added.
Replying to a question about the difficulties being faces by authorities, he said: “The problem now is that these drifters and stunt-drivers choose places which are far from the eyes of the police. For example, they choose places like Al Sailiya, Salwa Road.”
He said that special campaigns should be run every Ramadan "otherwise they will continue doing the same.”
In case of drifting in residential areas which exposes people’s life to danger, vehicles will be booked for 90 days and "may be transferred to
the public prosecution depending on the nature of the offence."
The Peninsula noted marks of drifting even in residential areas and recently on the Airport Road which is a potential threat to people’s lives.
A number of residents have asked the Ministry of Interior to introduce strict monitoring mechanism against such reckless drivers who become more active during Ramadan, specially before and after Al Fajr prayer.
“They create a lot of fuss on the roads for general public and even do not respect the sanctity of the holy month.
The time they indulge in drifting on roads is the time of tranquility but they don’t care about anything and most of them are youngsters,” said Ali, a resident.
He added: “I think those youth spend their day sleeping and at night they don’t have anything to do expect to make people's life restless with the noises they create with their vehicles. It has become a habit for them in Qatar and the Traffic Department has already specified a place for these youngsters in the Industrial Area then why don't they go their to appease their hunger for adventure.”
