MAKKAH — The large number of projects in Makkah has resulted in an increase in trucks transporting building material, violating the allowed load limit, Makkah daily reported. These trucks represent a hazard to motorists and residents are blaming the traffic police and Makkah Municipality of neglecting to monitor these trucks. They said trucks are freely roaming the streets and drivers are very reckless. In addition, small trucks are also being used to transport building material despite the fact that these small trucks are not designed for such purposes. Jameel Al-Mahmadi, a citizen, said such violations have always existed in Makkah but have greatly increased with the increase in the number of projects. “The reasons for such violations are a lack of monitoring by the traffic police and Makkah Municipality and deterrent penalties,” he claimed. He added that Makkah residents are also partially responsible, whether they were citizens or expatriates, since they should notify the authorities of any such violations. “If the concerned bodies are responsible for such violations, Makkah residents are also responsible,” he added. Tala Bukhari, a citizen, said monitoring by the municipality is completely absent. It is only concerned with monitoring of the execution of projects and is completely ignoring trucks carrying overloads,” he said. He noted that companies are naturally not bothered, as their concern is to complete their projects on time. He believes that the municipality should monitor such violations and penalize contractors for overloading the trucks, and if such violations are repeated, the project should be withdrawn from the contractor. A source in Makkah Municipality said such violations are the responsibility of the traffic police and the municipality has nothing to do with it. “The municipality's responsibility ends with handing the project to the contractor,” the source added. Makkah police spokesman Capt. Ali Al-Zahrani denied that there was a lack monitoring by the traffic police. “We are continuously monitoring these trucks, especially in areas around project sites. “Penalties include a SR500 fine and preventing the truck from continuing the trip with overloaded cargo,” he added.
