Young motorists denied access to Kuwaiti Souq: RAK Police

The move until Eid Al Fitr holidays is meant to curb traffic congestion at the busy Kuwaiti Souq which is crowded most of the day.

Ras Al Khaimah – Young motorists shall be temporarily banned from driving into the Kuwaiti Market to give family and female customers an opportunity for better and hassle-free shopping.

According to a senior police officer, young motorists shall not be allowed to drive from the entrance of the souq to the Corniche Mosque over the period from June 25 to Eid Al Fitr holidays.

Col Ahmed Saeed Al Sam Al Naqbi, head of traffic engineering with the RAK Police, said the move is meant to curb traffic congestion at the busy Kuwaiti Souq which is crowded most of the day.

“The traditional Souq is one of the largest marketplaces in the city of Ras Al Khaimah which comprises tens of shops mostly selling abayas, spices and herbs.”

The RAK Traffic and Patrol Department had denied young motorists access to the commercial area designated for abaya and women’s wear at the Kuwaiti Souq from the very first day of Ramadan.

“Young drivers were temporarily allowed to other areas, but this is not possible any more till the end of the holy month of Ramadan because the market is always thronged with families and women in most, mainly during weekends.”

Col Naqbi said young motorists are currently allowed to enter some parts of the Kuwaiti Souq till the end of the first week of the Ramadan. “The new procedures shall take place from the second week of the holy month.”

Official reports show that young motorists used to randomly drive into the market during Ramadan, holidays and weekends over the last few years for fun and not for shopping. “They have turned the business hub into chaos and traffic knot, and have given hard time to families and women.”

Col Naqbi said the RAK Traffic Department, in collaboration with the department of public works and service, has opened 70 new parking spaces for Kuwaiti Souq shoppers.

“The new parking spaces will curb random parking at the side of the arterial road, particularly as 25 of these are situated opposite the City Police Station, and 45 are located along the Kuwaiti road.”

Elaborating, he said the landmarks and traffic signs have been completed to prevent any car from parking on the roadside. “Drivers have been given a one-week grace period to observe the new regulation while traffic patrols started issuing tickets against erring drivers as of Thursday.”

The Traffic and Patrols Department has asked the Department of Public Works and Services to add more parking spaces at the Kuwaiti Souq, Col Naqbi said. “We have also requested more parking spaces next to the City Police Station as well as the Oasis Shopping Centre to curb traffic congestion.” -ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• Transport