DOHA: Saudi Arabia has banned buses over 10 years old from entering the country from today, a UAE-based daily has reported. The ban applies to all non-Saudi buses carrying passengers and goods to Saudi Arabia or transiting through its territory, Al Bayan Arabic daily said.
Buses transporting Haj pilgrims to Saudi Arabia from neighbouring countries are included in the ban. All buses that are past ten years from the year of manufacture will come under scrutiny.
Quoting an official of the Traffic Coordination Department in the country, the daily said that the ban was intended to ensure safety of passengers as well as that of pedestrians. Buses that fail to meet this requirement will be turned away along with the passengers, it warned. The ban takes effect ahead of Haj and all tour operators organising Haj trips to Saudi Arabia by road have been informed of the decision, said
the daily. The Peninsula
