DOHA: An apparent rise in hit- and-run cases has prompted the authorities to intensify a crackdown on automobile garages that repair damaged vehicles without approval of the Traffic Department.
The campaign also targets garages said to be operating in some parts of the country without a licence. Such facilities, mostly based in remote areas, are said to have become a safe haven for vehicles getting involved in hit-and-run accidents and other unidentified road mishaps.
Motorists who meet with an accident could run away for various reasons — they may not have a valid driver’s licence or the road permit, or the insurance policy of the vehicle might have expired. They would not report the accident at the Traffic Department for fear of being fined or legal action and subsequently fail to get an approval for repair.
Quoting a source, a local Arabic daily said yesterday that the authorities have zeroed in on some illegal garages doing repairs on vehicles involved in “dubious” road accidents.
Last year, a man was killed in a hit-and-run incident and the car was later found waiting for repair in an illegal garage, said the daily, stressing the importance of the campaign.
Some garages have failed to get their licences renewed following the tough safety regulations imposed by the Civil Defence Department and they may still be operating on the sly.
As a solution to the increasing hit-and-run instances, some residents have proposed that CCTV cameras be installed in parking areas in shopping complexes and other public places. They said the victims of such incidents are facing problems in getting their cars repaired and they are denied insurance cover for someone elese’s mistake.
“Some drivers involved in minor accidents would run away just because they may be in a hurry. Such people can at least leave a message, along with their contact number,” said a resident.
Garages receiving damaged vehicles for repair without approval from the Traffic Department will face closure for one month, in the first instance. They would be allowed to resume functioning if they give a written undertaking to the Department that the mistake will not be repeated.
In case of a repetition of the offence, the facility will be closed for three months. The same offence, if repeated for a third time, can lead to closure for a similar period and legal action against the facility, including a permanent cancellation of its licence.
The current crackdown complements a campaign launched by authorities recently to remove all abandoned vehicles from the Industrial Area. Garages that dump vehicles awaiting repair in public spaces are also being targeted by this campaign.
The Peninsula
