MAKKAH — The special police force to prevent violating vehicles and motorcycles from being used during this year's Haj will rely on aerial and field support to confiscate the vehicles, arrest violators and punish the owners, commander of the force Brig. Muhammad Al-Bassami said. He said vehicles that attempt to sneak into Makkah and the holy sites create traffic jams. “We are making strenuous efforts to prevent these cars from entering the central area around the Haram and the holy sites,” he said while warning that any violating vehicle would be impounded. Officials are hopeful that the campaign will cut down the number of cars committing traffic violations. “Many drivers of these old cars do not even have driver's licenses,” he said. The commander warned that expatriate drivers would be handed over to the Passport Department for deportation while Saudis would be severely punished after Haj. “The move is within efforts to make the traffic plan a success for the benefit of pilgrims who should be able to perform the rituals in ease and comfort without having to put up with traffic jams caused by vehicles that do not belong there in the first place,” he said.
