There is a plan to install surveillance cameras on the streets to closely monitor the traffic flow and identify traffic jams and accidents, according to a senior official of the Traffic and Patrols Department. "These cameras will help us monitor the roads more effectively. We will be able to know about traffic jams and accidents and the police team can plan their movements accordingly," said Brigadier Mohammed Saad Al Kharji, director of the Department in an interview with Arabic daily published yesterday. Al Kharji said the new traffic diversions in some parts of the city had caused a rise in the number of accidents recently. "But this is not an excuse for people to make accidents. Speeding is still the major cause of accidents here," said Al Kharji. He said traffic accidents had decreased noticeably after the partial opening of the Industrial Area road. "We should also consider the rapid increase in the number of vehicles in the country- about 100,000 new vehicles every year," said Al Kharji. He said accidents had come down by about 50 per cent after implementation of the new traffic law. Number of casualties is also less compared to last year, though there was a slight increase over the past two months. "Most people are abiding by the law and the complaints are mainly about the high fines. We are doing a comprehensive review of the law and this will be referred to the higher authorities by the end of October," said Al Kharji. On the heavy traffic jams witnessed during Ramadan, Al Kharji said, "Every year during this period the Traffic Department prepares a plan to tackle the rush and ensure free flow of traffic. This requires cooperation with Lekhwiya (Internal Security Force), besides infrastructural support from Ashghal," said Al Kharji. He said the department has plans to put women as investigators into traffic accidents. Asked about the parking crisis felt in many parts of the city, Al Kharji said, "We have set up committee to assess all the parking areas available in various parts of the country. There is a shortage of parking lots especially in areas where the government offices are located. An immediate solution is needed, involving authorities like the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Urban Planning and Ashghal." The Pen

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