Traffic Dept revising exorbitant Saher fines

Nader Al-Enezi
Okaz/Saudi Gazette

TABUK — The Directorate of Traffic is currently revising exorbitant fines imposed by Saher System, said Abdullah Al-Sadoun, Deputy Chairman of the Shoura Council’s Security Affairs Committee.

He said during the council’s previous sessions the members discussed the huge fines issued by the automated road monitoring system, adding the Council of Ministers and the Shoura Council review all types of fines periodically.

Discussing the proposed expansion of Saher to cover the entire country, Al-Sadoun said the council only focuses on amendments to the system.

He said the Ministry of Interior and the Directorate of Traffic are discussing a proposal to roll out the system nationwide as it would help provide work for Saudi jobseekers.

The system has proved its effectiveness in reducing fatal traffic accidents in regions where it has been introduced.

Al-Sadoun said those who receive Saher’s penalty notices have been deterred enough not to repeat the offense that they were fined for in the first place.

He said there are serious traffic violations that happen too frequently such as speeding and driving through red lights.

Al-Sadoun added these violations are directly responsible for most roads accidents that occur in the country. He claimed Saher has effectively helped in reducing the number of these fatal accidents.

Authorities in the Kingdom such as the Ministry of Interior and Traffic Administration have the power to crack down on acts of vandalism against Saher cameras, he added.