Ibrahim Shehab Okaz/Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — Head of Jeddah Traffic Department Maj. Gen. Waslullah Al-Harbi has said traffic signals in the city have been synchronized to cope with the huge number of vehicles on the streets. This is part of a new and complete traffic plan to facilitate traffic, especially with the beginning of the new school year, he said. Al-Harbi said the timing of traffic signals has been modified, especially on major roads that witness huge traffic jams. The plan also includes a well-trained cadre to deal with required field work to ensure its success. Traffic patrols will be posted around schools, educational complexes, colleges, and universities to deal with any congestion, he added. Al-Harbi said drivers are required to cooperate with the traffic police and refrain from chaotically parking near schools. Some schools are located on narrow streets and there are not enough space for parking. Al-Harbi asked students begin their journey to school earlier to make up for any delays that they might face due to traffic jams. He suggested that drivers avoid streets under construction, and look for alternative routes to reach their destination. Congested streets such as Madinah Road, Prince Muhammad Road and Prince Sultan Street should be avoided. He stressed that the traffic officers monitor trucks entering the city during restricted hours. Al-Harbi urged families to educate their children about the correct behavior on the roads and not to violate traffic laws. With the beginning of the new school year, many parents are apprehensive of their children reaching school on time. Some also are uneasy about service trucks that crowd the streets during rush hours. Saleh Al-Majrashi said the residents' main problem is the trucks that crowd the streets, which cause many accidents. He said trucks should not be allowed on the streets during peak hours, as the streets can barely accommodate commuter traffic. Saeed Abdulkhaliq said the trucks arriving from the coastal road into Jeddah are particularly problematic. The drivers drive all night and reach Jeddah in early morning hours in a groggy state of mind and temper. Mohammad Al-Zahrani said a speeding truck completely damaged his car. He is thankful that the accident happened after he had dropped his children to school. Mohammad Al-Ghamdi asked the traffic police to ban trucks from streets during peak hours. He said in the past, trucks were not allowed into the streets except in specified times.
