The streets of the capital, Damascus, are suffering from a severe traffic crisis, reflecting a failure to control traffic flow in the province’s streets, despite promises to find immediate solutions to the problem.
This crisis and poor traffic organization have led to an increase in traffic accidents, which has escalated the workload and pressures on the general surgery department due to the increase in traffic-related incidents, according to Dr. Mamdouh Khalid (pseudonym), a specialist at the National Hospital in Damascus, in his statement to Enab Baladi.
The traffic chaos, in addition to the accidents, has created road problems that have doubled travel times for car and minibus drivers.
Poor organization and lack of experience
Dr. Khalid clarified that the injured cases that came to hospitals varied between drivers and civilians, some of which were serious.
Minibus driver Hussein Awad told Enab Baladi that poor organization and the inexperience of traffic officers are exacerbating the traffic situation in the streets of Damascus, which has led to an increase in accidents, especially during peak congestion hours.
Awad added that the travel time on any route within Damascus has increased by at least half an hour, and interactions between drivers and traffic officers are often tense due to the poor treatment from some of them.
Addressing the shortage
The Ministry of Interior is working to address the shortage of personnel by recently graduating several batches of police academy students in Damascus, the latest of which was on March 23.
In a statement to Enab Baladi, Assistant Minister of Interior Shadi al-Youssef explained that a group of former traffic police officers was selected, interviewed, and given strict instructions to adhere to public order and to treat people well, facilitating their affairs.
He explained that traffic units, at the beginning of the liberation of provinces before the fall of the former regime, worked to limit traffic problems somewhat, and they played a role after the liberation in easing traffic matters.
However, the lack of numbers has clearly impacted traffic conditions and congestion; therefore, new traffic police officers were hired, and some suitable courses were conducted for them. Moreover, several former workers in the same field were contracted to ensure coordination and integration between the old and new units, according to al-Youssef.
Regarding the rise in traffic accidents in Damascus, al-Youssef stated that the ministry does not have accurate statistics on traffic incidents.
In the days following the fall of the Assad regime, residents participated in organizing traffic flow due to the absence of traffic police in the cities.
Volunteer youth teams emerged for this purpose, having received training through intensive courses in traffic management under the supervision of the new administration, which equipped them with tools.
Promises
The traffic sector has suffered for years from problems and corruption, establishing a negative image of traffic police officers among drivers, accompanied by a lack of accountability that contributed to the spread of corruption.
Assistant Minister of Interior Shadi al-Youssef pointed out that the ministry primarily seeks to achieve the financial adequacy of the workers, which helps in reducing this phenomenon, and the ministry will take very strict measures in case any violations occur, which may reach dismissal from work.
In previous statements to Enab Baladi, he confirmed that all laws that were in force at the Ministry of Interior are being studied by a specialized team for development in line with the public interest, including traffic laws.
He clarified that while no legal changes may be executed, there is an ongoing search for better regulations and laws to facilitate public movement.
Al-Youssef indicated the reactivation of 200 traffic officers as a first action plan within the capital Damascus, and further studies will be conducted to activate additional numbers in the capital and other provinces based on the data.
Traffic crisis continues in Damascus: Rise in traffic accidents Enab Baladi.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Traffic crisis continues in Damascus: Rise in traffic accidents )
Also on site :
- San Diego police shoot, kill man inside car after brief confrontation in Grant Hill
- The Duttons Recover From That Shocking Death on the Next '1923'
- 21 Butter Yellow Nail Ideas That Are Perfect for Spring