Gulf | Kuwait
Decision to deport repeat traffic offenders defended
The Ministry of Interior is fighting deteriorating traffic manners as a whole and not just targeting expatriates by issuing tough new regulations against traffic offenders, a ministry official told Gulf News on Wednesday
- By Laila Ali, Special to Gulf News
- Published: 00:15 April 17, 2008
Kuwait City: The Ministry of Interior is fighting deteriorating traffic manners as a whole and not just targeting expatriates by issuing tough new regulations against traffic offenders, a ministry official told Gulf News on Wednesday.
Thabet Al Muhanaa, Assistant Under Secretary for traffic in Ministry of Interior, said the number of blatant and life-threatening traffic violations has dramatically increased.
He said in 2007, the number of traffic violations increased to 2.877 million from 2.75 million in 2006.
"Strict measures taken now by the ministry are a message delivered to both nationals and expatriates equally that there will be no lenience regarding traffic violations," he said.
State-owned news agency Kuna quoted Al Muhanna on Tuesday as saying that Interior Minister Shaikh Jaber Khalid Al Sabah has ordered the deportation of expatriates, who number 2.35 million, who jump a red light and have a previous conviction for a traffic offence.
Clarifying the point, Al Muhanna cited Article 16 of the Expatriates Law, which states that the Minister of Interior has the right to deport an expatriate who poses a threat to other residents.
"This does not mean that every expatriate who commits a traffic offence will be deported. However, those who unashamedly and repeatedly risk the lives of others by jumping red lights, driving on the wrong side, or speeding will be asked to leave the country," he said.
He said the ministry deported four expatriates last month.
Asked about penalties of nationals who commit the same offences, Al Muhanna said citizens who show recklessness on the road in a way that threatens the lives of other road users could have their licences suspended for four months, have their cars seized for two months or their number plates confiscated for four months, or all of these.
"According to law, we cannot withdraw the driving licence of an individual perpetually or deport a citizen. However, we are hoping that such harsh measures will encourage citizens to abide by traffic rules," he said.
Affirming the country's respect for and appreciation of expatriates, Al Muhanna said the measures are to fight recklessness regardless of the offender's identity.
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