DOHA: Doha Expressway is witnessing more traffic jams than before after authorities decided to reduce the speed limit from 100kmph to 80km last week.
Several residents said they were frustrated over having to stay in the jams on the busy road for almost double the time they used to spend before the speed limit change.
Patrols have been closing other points of entry to the road from Immigration Roundabout to Sudan Intersection to ease traffic which has led to more traffic for the feeder roads, reports Al Raya.
Abdul Aziz Ahmed, a Qatari, complained that the speed limit reduction has exacerbated the problem of jams and expressed concern that the name ‘Doha Expressway’ no longer reflects the reality.
“The problem on the road is not about speed limits. One of the causes of jams is poor road design, especially the entry and exit points..
“Officials should redesign the road and increase the number of lanes to cope with increasing traffic. There is another problem — there are no emergency paths and those for bikers. Bikers very often meet with accidents because of the poor design of the road.”
He urged officials to find a proper solution to the problem that is forcing people to spend more time on the road and getting stressed.
Yousef Al Sulaiti, another Qatari, said the road has become one of the most congested in the country and jams are being extended to neighbouring roads.
“The viable solution is to restore the speed limit to 100km and increase the number of radars,” he said.
Al Sulaiti also expressed concern that the situation would worsen as schools re-open for the next term after vacation.
Khalifa Al Suwaidi, yet another Qatari, said the expressway connects Doha to the northern area and it is important that the speed limit on the road is at least 100km.
“Most motorists move very slowly on the road to avoid the radars and this obstructs traffic flow the busy highway,” he said.
Mohammed Al Marri, another motorist, said the road should have a speed limit of 120km and that the reduction to 80km was the biggest joke authorities have made.
He said the decision should be reversed immediately to ensure smooth traffic on the highway.
Saleh Ahmed, another resident, suggested that the road should be put under 24-hour surveillance and speed limits should be adjusted according to the time of the day or weekends.
“The speed limit should be 80km in the morning when there are more cars and should be 120km during non-rush hours.” The Peninsula
