TAIF — Taif residents are complaining that the removal of traffic lights is endangering their lives as they try to cross the streets. The project to improve Taif streets has reached an advanced stage, and residents said that the project has its merits and demerits. The project has allowed the smooth flow of traffic and minimized travel time. However, it has also resulted in an increase in accidents, especially by the lack of pedestrian bridges. Those that do exist are decaying, and crossing streets has become difficult, especially for the handicapped. The residents are asking for the presence of traffic police to control traffic, particularly speeding cars. They are also calling for designated pedestrian crossings with signs put up at these places. The assistant operations manager of Taif Red Crescent, Mohammad Al-Khelawi, said the situation has become hazardous, particularly to the handicapped, the elderly and children. He added that there has been an increase in accidents following the removal of traffic lights. Saeed Al-Zahrani, a media worker, said removing traffic lights is infringing on the rights of pedestrians. He believes that pedestrian bridges are not suitable for every one, as the handicapped and the elderly cannot utilize them. Spokesman for Taif traffic police, Maj. Ali Al-Malki, said pedestrians are a concern to the traffic police. There is coordination with the Taif municipality to construct a bridge on Shehar Road, and two others on King Faisal Street. There are also two bridges on Wadi Wej Road, in addition to speed barriers and a pedestrian crossing. There are also pedestrian bridges on Khalid Bin Al-Waleed, Al-Faisaliyah and Abu Bakr streets. — SG
