83 cars impounded, over 9,000 citations issued in traffic crackdown – New conditions for tow trucks to take effect on Jan 1

This news has been read 6569 times!

KUWAIT CITY, Dec 14: Officers from the Capital Traffic Department issued 9,527 traffic citations recently. In compliance with the instructions of Director General of the General Traffic Department Major General Fahd Al-Shuwai’a, the officers launched a surprise traffic campaign in the governorate. This led to the issuance of the abovementioned number of citations for various violations, including the use of mobile phone while driving and failure to use seatbelts. The campaign also resulted in the impounding of 83 vehicles and arrest of two people who were referred to the nearest police station for legal action.

The department reaffirmed its plan to continue such campaigns to track down those who violate traffic regulations and to guarantee the safety of road users. Meanwhile, in an unrealted development, Hawally securitymen arrested a Jordanian bus driver for allegedly beating an Asian when the latter asked him to move from a parking area allocated for the handicapped.

The victim, who is working as a guard in an Asian private school in Hawally, went to the police station crying. He told police that the bus driver parked on the spot allotted for the handicapped. When he asked the driver to vacate the parking spot, the driver beat him and fled from the scene. Using the description given by the Asian, securitymen succeeded in arresting the suspect who was referred to the concerned security unit for legal measures.

 Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled Al-Sabah Monday issued a set of new conditions related to tow trucks, and the decision will take effect from Jan 1, 2016. In this context, the Assistant Undersecretary for Traffic Affairs Major General Abdullah Yusuf Al- Muhanna confirmed that nine conditions have been set for towing trucks. At a press conference held in the presence of the Director General of Public Relations and Security Media Brigadier Adel Al-Hashash, Al- Muhanna officially announced the decision, and added that media campaign will be activated for that purpose. The decision stipulates that tow trucks must have reflex light, first aid box and fire extinguisher.

Moreover, passengers should not be carried inside the truck while towing a vehicle. The trucker should maintain the speed limit and stick to the first lane without switching to another lane unless it’s necessary. Also, the length of the tow truck shouldn’t exceed 15 meters, and the height 4 meters, and the width 260 cm wide. Truckers are required to abide by the weight specified in the registration book and secure the load with chains for safety purpose, and to protect the vehicle from scratching. In case the width of the tow truck and the vehicle being towed exceeds 260cm or the height is beyond the required specification, the trucker must obtain clearance from the General Traffic Department. Meanwhile, the Director of Public Relations and Security Media Brigadier Adel Al-Hashash confirmed an awareness campaign will be initiated regarding the new decision, which takes effect from Jan 1, 2016. He explained the campaign will be conducted in coordination with the Print and Electronic media, besides the distribution of leaflets and posts on social media to sustain road safety, and protect life and property.

This news has been read 6569 times!