The Department of Traffic and Patrols has launched a crackdown against vehicles transporting hazardous substances such as petroleum derivatives without permission from the authorities concerned. During inspections conducted recently, the department found that some people were making changes on the cabins of their private vehicles and transporting petroleum derivatives knowing well that they were not authorised to do that. Such vehicles were seized for violating the traffic rules. Transporting dangerous materials in vehicles with out a permission from the licensing authority is a clear violation of the article No. 57 of the traffic law which stipulates “nobody is permitted to use or allow somebody to use his mechanical vehicle for the purpose other than what it was registered and licensed for.” The department has warned that transporting petroleum derivates in vehicles that don’t fulfill the safety requirements poses a major threat to public safety. It may lead to leakage of the substance, harming other motorists and can result in traffic accidents. Exposure to hot sun may also cause a sudden blaze if the substance is not loaded safely. The danger could be even more serious in case the vehicle meets an accident and overturns causing the substance to spill over. “The awareness campaigns conducted by the department have helped reduce traffic accidents as well as violations. However, some drivers are still insistent on exposing their lives and others to danger by transporting unauthorised material and loads in their private vehicles,” said a statement issued by the department. Meanwhile, sources from the Qatar Technical Inspection Company told The Peninsula yesterday that the company had plans to conduct inspections for vehicles transporting hazardous material.“ We are ready to conduct the tests but there should be clear standards for vehicles transporting hazardous substances. Such vehicles should be inspected frequently to ensure they meet the required safety standards. Using unauthorised vehicles for this purpose is a different issue,” said a company official. http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=Local_News&subsection=Qatar+News&month=February2009&file=Local_News2009021051733.xml

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