DOHA: The ban on some categories of expatriate workers from acquiring a driving licence is temporary and will last only until major development projects are completed, says the Traffic Department.
The nature of work of these categories of people is such that they do not “at the moment” need a driving licence, said the director of the department.
“We have a fairly extensive and efficient public transport system so there is no need for these people to seek driver’s licence. Their jobs don’t demand that they drive now,” Brigadier Mohamed Saad Al Kharji said.
“This is a temporary measure. The restrictions would be lifted after major infrastructure projects are over.”
The ban is a necessity today because the current pace of development in the country (arguably, a reference to the exploding population) makes it imperative that such steps are taken to control increasing chaos, congestion and accidents on the roads, Al Kharji said. He was a guest speaker at Al Sharq’s Ramadan tent last Saturday. Replying to questions, the director said his department takes traffic law breaches very seriously and no fine imposed on a violator is ever waived.
“In some violations if it is found that there is some margin of error by a traffic policeman in assessing a traffic accident. In those cases a lenient view can be taken.”
On an average, some 100 driving licences are withdrawn by the traffic police every day due to serious violations of the traffic law.
In Qatar, the minimum age for issuing the driving licence is 19 years while in other countries in the region it is 18.
Brigadier Mohamed Abdullah Al Malki, secretary-general of the National Committee for Road Safety at the Ministry of Interior, was present at the event.
He said that a curriculum of road safety was almost complete for introduction in schools at elementary, preparatory and secondary levels.
“However, it (road safety) wouldn’t be taught as a subject. It would rather be in the form of an awareness campaign.” The official said the traffic law was being studied for a possible review.
Al Kharji said that media interaction as the one at this Ramadan tent should be held every three months since that would help raise awareness on road safety.
He reiterated that major roundabouts in the country will be converted into traffic signals with intersections like the several roundabouts on the Corniche Road are being converted.
The Peninsula
