DOHA: A recent decision of the Traffic Department to strictly implement the provision of the law which bans overtaking from right side has evoked mixed reaction from citizens.
Vehicles getting involved in the violation could face confiscation for one month or more besides fines. The department recently warned of stern action against vehicles overtaking from right side and parking in slots dedicated for the disabled.
Following the warning, traffic police have seized many cars over the past one week for violating the law, a local Arabic daily reported yesterday.
Most citizens are appreciative of the move, but some feel that impounding cars is too harsh a punishment for a violation of this sort. “The Traffic Department should know the reason why people are violating the law. Traffic jams and the habit of some people driving so slow on highways force other motorists to overtake from the right side to avoid delays,” the daily quoted a citizen, Saad Eisa Al Kaabi, as saying.
“The department should use social media to raise awareness on this issue,” he added.
“This law was issued for the benefit of the people and then why it was neglected. People can complain when the department goes beyond the law. There is no way to stop such violations except implementing the law very strictly. Fines are not sufficient to discipline people,” said Haroon Al Jesaiman, another citizen.
He said overtaking from right side involves an aggression on the rights of other motorists who respect the law.
“Seizing cars is too much and a very tough action. The department should also punish those who drive very slowly. If they maintain the right speed, none is going to overtake them from right,” said Abdullah Al Tamimi.
According to Dr Saif Al Hajri, a prominent Qatari academic and environmentalist, the law has been enforced after a surge in violations which have led to so many accidents
“Most of those drivers have made it a habit. It is an uncivilised behaviour. I support implementation of this law,” said Al Hajri.
He said those who drive slow should also be punished. “There are people driving at speeds of 40 or 50 (km per hour) on roads where the speed limit is 100. This forces some people to violate the law,” he said.
“Instead of seizing cars why don’t they increase the fine,” asked Abdullah Fakhroo, adding that he is not against this rule, especially the one related to parking in areas dedicated for the disabled. The Peninsula
