To limit the spread of coronavirus, the General Directorate of Traffic yesterday distributed masks and gloves to motorists and made them aware of the recommendations of the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management.

The initiative was launched from the Corniche in cooperation with a Kidzmondo Doha, Aura Entertainment and Palma Hospitality, with a goal to provide security and safety and enhance its concept among the citizen, and give drivers some advice and guidance that should be followed at this time.

The aim of the campaign is to foster a community partnership where responsibility rests with everyone, and we hope other companies to take similar initiatives until we reach satisfactory results in short time, he said.

For his part, Lieutenant Abdul Mohsen Al Ruwaili, officer at the Awareness Department, said that the aim of this initiative is to deliver an awareness message to drivers and their companions about the need to cooperate and implement precautionary measures recommended by the Crisis Committee to prevent the outbreak of the coronavirus.

He added that the campaign includes all areas to spread awareness. Traffic patrols are everywhere to educate drivers about the danger of the virus and the need to take precautionary measures.

Through the campaign, he said, “We have witnessed a great response from the motorists and their understanding of the measures taken by the Department, adding that traffic has reduced significantly in the evening and this is a good thing.”

Regarding the demand for traffic services through Metrash2 and others, he said that there is a great demand for traffic services through Metrash2, as the Department provides about 40 traffic services through Metrash2.

Regarding the technical inspection procedures for vehicles, he pointed out that it includes all vehicles, even those who didn’t renew their Istimara since more than one year as all vehicles are exempted from technical inspection at Fahes centre for renewal of their Istimara (registration) from March 22, 2020, until further notice.

Captain Abdel Wahed Gharib Al Enazi, Traffic Awareness Officer, explained that the Traffic Department has intensified its awareness efforts through various communication media to confront the spread of this virus and alert drivers of its danger. He also talked about the role played by the Patrol and Traffic Investigation Department to ensure the smooth flow of traffic in all roads, as well as providing the necessary support to all relevant departments of the Ministry of Interior.

Al Enazi called for adherence to the decisions issued by the state that prohibit gatherings in public places, in order to preserve public safety and also urged the public to take advantage of electronic services provided by the Department through Metrash 2 and the Ministry of Interior’s website, without the need to visit the departments.