JEDDAH — The new schedule to regulate truck entry and movement inside the city came into effect on Saturday with police monitoring the designated points of entry for trucks, but just a day after the rules were put in force dozens of heavy trucks were seen traveling on Jeddah roads in broad daylight. Many citizens complained about the dangers the trucks pose to them and their families. Some reported that the trucks entered and left Jeddah during the restricted hours while others said truck drivers used short cuts to avoid checkpoints. Jeddah Traffic Administration spokesman, Lt. Col. Zayd Al-Hashim, said the administration is coordinating with the municipality's transport department to provide a parking area where trucks can wait during the restricted hours. A traffic expert called for imposing penalties on truck companies and seizing their trucks or having the companies' memberships suspended if they break the rules. The new schedule follows the decision of the Riyadh governorate to regulate trucks entry into the capital city. Riyadh Traffic Department set up a new schedule for entry of trucks into the city during the summer vacation. Jeddah Governor Prince Mishaal Bin Majed has directed the concerned government departments to strictly implement the plan aimed at easing traffic congestion. All drivers have to abide by the regulations and safety measures issued by the governorate. According to the governor's directive, the new regulations would consist of a temporary phase and a permanent phase. The temporary phase includes limiting the entry time for water, gas, fuel, sewage and garbage trucks as well as food and animal transport vehicles into the city on weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon. The same timing will also apply to trucks carrying concrete mix and asphalt. Other cargo trucks, including those transporting equipment, timber and building materials can enter the city from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. On Thursdays and Fridays, all trucks will be allowed entry from 1 a.m. to 4 p.m. All trucks need to comply with the governor's directives, and those that enter the city precincts except during their allotted time would be stopped. Jeddah traffic police will monitor all violations and conduct frequent campaigns to ensure the proper application of the schedule. The National Water Company have been asked to increase pumping hours at the drinking water distribution station at Briman and reduce pumping from the outlet in Faisaliyah district. The traffic police have been directed to intensify inspections at these entry points and to erect signboards showing the schedule at all entry points of the city. The General Administration for Roads and Transport have been directed to make available parking areas for trucks outside the entry points, as well as rest houses with all amenities for road users. The Jeddah Islamic Port Authority has been asked to regulate the entry and exit of trucks to avoid traffic congestions. They will also regulate traffic movement at the port. The Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry will notify companies and factories to abide by the times of trucks entry and also carry out an awareness drive about the new regulations among truck drivers. Gates of the industrial city will be located on the expressway to avoid jamming nearby neighborhoods.
