Saudi Arabia to jail red light jumpers

Saudi Arabia has started to jail drivers who jump the red light under a new rule enforced this week as part of a strategy to curb accidents that kill thousands every year.

Drivers caught jumping the red signal will now have to be jailed for one day before they can pay the fine, local newspapers reported.

“All traffic offence payment systems now reject payment by drivers who jump the red signal unless they produce a letter from the traffic police showing they have served a 24-hour imprisonment,” Sada daily said.

In May, officials reported that the Gulf kingdom began enforcing new rules classifying traffic offences involving jumping the red lights as a big crime in case it result in deaths.

The new rule was by Saudi minister of interior Prince Mohammed bin Nayef as part of a new list of crime classifications in the Gulf kingdom.

“Jumping red lights is considered a big crime in case it results in deaths, according to the new list of crimes,” an official said.

Saudi Arabia, the largest Arab economy and world’s dominant oil exporter, has been locked in a drive to curb accidents that kill thousands on roads every year.

In comments last month, Saudi Arabia’s Mufti (religious chief), Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al Shaikh said drivers who deliberately jump red lights and cause deaths are like killers and their act is almost a premeditated murder.

“Those who deliberately do so are abusing Islam. In case their act results in death, then it is almost a premeditated murder,” he said.

“Drivers should be very careful when coming close to a traffic signal even if they don’t see any cars. They should slow and control themselves near traffic signals. Those who do not respect the traffic lights must be held responsible for all the consequences.”

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