GCC moving towards unified traffic system.

fahadnews@timesofoman.com

MUSCAT: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are working to set up an electronic Internet-based service, or an "electronic gate" that would link traffic data across the six member countries, a source at the Royal Oman Police (ROP) confirmed yesterday to Times of Oman.

At a recent conference of the directors of traffic departments of the GCC countries, Oman had suggested introducing a "unified form" for driving licences containing sufficient background and security information to minimise fraud.

The conference, held in Abu Dhabi, aimed at addressing the common challenges, policies and procedures related to traffic issues in the GCC countries. "A working team will be constituted soon to work on the electronic gate linking the traffic systems of the GCC countries," the ROP source said, while adding that two working sessions had already been conducted to approve the proposal submitted by the UAE, for setting up of the electronic web service.

"The proposal submitted by Oman has been discussed. It (proposal) emphasises on a unified driving licence system that contains sufficient background and security information to help minimise fraud. The ROP will prepare a uniform guideline on traffic violations that are common with the GCC countries. The proposal will be submitted at the next meeting of the directors of traffic departments from GCC countries," the source said.

Fines and e-gate

It may be noted that a major chunk of the traffic exchange data among GCC countries pertains to fines and the e-gate, once it comes into force, would make it a lot easier for GCC residents to not only check online, but pay the traffic fines committed in other countries.

The ROP source said an awareness drive would soon be launched in the GCC countries in preparation for consultation and approval of the recommendations.

The Abu Dhabi meeting also agreed to continue hosting traffic safety weeks in their countries as it helps raise awareness among drivers on the need to abide by the rules, especially in the context of the move to create a common system in the GCC.

The meeting also agreed to hold GCC Traffic Week at the same time, beginning on March 11, 2012 under the slogan: 'Let's work together to reduce traffic accidents'. They agreed to continue working on the same slogan for the years 2012 and 2013, and raise a consolidated report on the campaigns, events and awareness-enhancing activities.

Muscat Press and Publishing House SAOC 2011

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