‘Interior’: Raising Readiness to Mitigate Traffic Congestion

Fahd Al-Eissa, Director of the Traffic Awareness Department at the General Directorate of Traffic, stated that the Traffic and Operations Sector, in coordination with supporting security agencies and under the field supervision of Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior Major General Abdulwahab Al-Wahayb, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Security Affairs Major General Hamad Al-Munaifi, Field Operations Sector Head Brigadier General Ahmed Al-Azmi, Director General of Traffic Brigadier General Rashid Al-Hajri, and Director General of the General Directorate of Emergency Police Brigadier General Hamlan Al-Hamlan, has prepared for the launch of the new academic year 2026/2027.

On the first day of school, the Ministry of Interior raised its security and operational readiness level, reinforcing the deployment of its patrols around schools, access roads, and various vital locations. This contributes to regulating traffic flow, reducing congestion, and ensuring the safety of students and road users.

Al-Eissa added that the Traffic and Operations Sector emphasized intensive traffic deployment and the distribution of patrols at the entrances and exits of areas and around schools, aiming to facilitate traffic movement, enhance traffic fluidity, and reduce congestion. He called on parents to cooperate with traffic police, adhere to designated drop-off zones, avoid random parking or obstructing traffic flow, and comply with traffic regulations and guidelines.

Al-Eissa noted that the Traffic Operations Room monitors all locations, including ring roads, main roads, and internal streets, using 338 traffic surveillance cameras to track roads and vehicle movement. Additionally, the flashing system in traffic signals has been activated to enhance traffic fluidity. He explained that the traffic security plan stipulates securing the surroundings of schools and vital locations and reinforcing security presence through public security patrols, while the Traffic Department is responsible for regulating traffic flow, signals, and road monitoring. Meanwhile, the Emergency Service handles immediate intervention and rapid response to reports received at the Ministry of Interior Operations Room via the Safety Hotline (112).

He emphasized the importance of students and their escorts using designated pedestrian crossings to ensure their safety and that of other road users, thereby contributing to a safe and organized traffic environment during the academic year. He also pointed out the distribution of patrols on highways experiencing high traffic density, as well as the continuation of maintenance and monitoring activities on streets and intersections through next-generation cameras.

Al-Eissa stated that the first day witnessed smooth vehicle movement due to the security plan implemented by the Ministry of Interior, represented by the Traffic and Operations Sector, through the security deployment of traffic and emergency patrols, supported by the Public Security Sector. He clarified that the most congested areas were in the Sabah Al-Salem area, Hawalli, Salwa, and some roads undergoing maintenance works. However, thanks to the efforts of security personnel and the cooperation and compliance of drivers with regulations, the first day of the academic year proceeded smoothly.

Regarding the number of reports received by the Operations Room by 9 a.m., he said that 82 reports were handled, including 35 minor collision accidents, 5 accidents resulting in injuries, and one hit-and-run incident due to a person’s failure to use a pedestrian bridge. The remaining reports involved vehicle breakdowns and requests for assistance.