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Saher cameras recorded more than 300 violations in Jeddah last month.

Brig. Zaid Al-Hamzi, spokesman of the Jeddah Traffic Department, has warned motorists against the consequences of running across the red traffic light at intersections.

“These violations cause many deaths and serious injuries,” he said.

Speaking to Arab News, Al-Hamzi said that Saher cameras installed at various traffic signals in the city have recorded over 300 violations last month. “This increase in violations is very worrying,” he remarked.

Recently, the Traffic Department began implementing strict procedures for those in violation of the rules regarding traffic signals and crossing the red light. The new regulations impose a 24-hour prison detention followed by a fine.

The Directorate General of the Traffic Department has updated banking networks associated with the payment of fines, blocking any payments until the violator produces a receipt from the prison confirming that he has been detained for 24 hours. The fine will then be paid directly in the Traffic Department to cancel the violation.

Brig. Waslallah Al-Harbi, director of the Jeddah Traffic Department explained that his department has organized intensive awareness campaigns with the participation of a number of officers and individuals to control traffic violations which affect public safety, including the crossing of the red traffic signal.

Al-Harbi said the campaigns aim to spread awareness among citizens and expats to stop the violations that lead to accidents, loss of lives and damage to property.

“The law must be obeyed to maintain your safety and the safety of your fellow motorists,” he asserted. He indicated that the Jeddah Traffic Department will continue the campaigns in the weeks to come.

The Kingdom ranks among the countries with the most roads accidents. Statistics from the General Directorate of Traffic show that the Kingdom has 23 deaths per 100,000 people translating into 19 deaths occurring daily.

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