Doha: Traffic authorities have enabled a system to catch people using mobile phone while driving through CCTV cameras installed on roads, an official has said.
“A violation has been recorded against a woman for using her mobile phone while driving her car with children on board, causing distraction in driving,” said Director of Traffic Awareness Department of the General Directorate of Traffic, Colonel Dr. Muhammad Radi Al Hajri.
Speaking in a Qatar Radio programme recently, he said a system has been activated for monitoring motorists using mobile phones while driving through CCTV cameras, especially those installed at traffic signals. He said the mobile phone use while driving has become the most common problem which distracts motorists from careful driving. “Mobile phone is no more a means of just taking or making calls. It has become a means of multiple communications, making users semi-addictive even while they are at homes,” said Al Hajri.
He urged motorists to change their behaviour by avoiding mobile phone use while driving.
Speaking about traffic congestion, he said: “The problems of road closures were addressed in coordination with our partners — the Ministry of Transport and Public Work Authority (Ashghal) which bore fruits. Traffic platforms were also established and activated, which send awareness messages to alert motorists about traffic jams enabling them to use alternative routes.”
He added that coordination was also made with transport companies to remind them of the time slots allowed for trucks to enter and exit. Al Hajri said traffic congestion is a normal phenomenon in any city which witnesses business activities during peak hours. However, he said, hours-long traffic congestion has completely ended.
To a question about the transporting of caravans to camping areas, he said: “Caravans are allowed to be transported from 8am to 5pm in the public interest. Transporting them during daylight will help in avoiding traffic accidents resulting from the breakdown of these caravans which contain tools and pieces of iron that can fly in the street and cause accidents.” These tools may not be visible at night. He said some accidents had taken place because of flying iron pieces, which pose threat to road users.
The General Directorate of Traffic urged motorists to avoid engaging themselves in the activities which distract their attention from driving to protect themselves and other road users. According to an earlier report issued by the Directorate, traffic violations have decreased due to joint efforts made by the authorities concerned regarding road safety.
There is a focus on current traffic plan on three basic elements — Intensifying training of traffic patrol officers, driving schools’ curriculum outputs, and plans related to traffic awareness. The major reason for the decline in traffic violations is the awareness among road users. Roads have also become safer, while road safety education and awareness efforts have also played a role.
