Will wider roads reduce congestion on Qatar's streets?

Qatar's Central Municipal Council members are heavily pushing for the construction of wider roads in an effort to reduce traffic congestion in Doha.

The Council's Public Services and Utilities Commission (PSUC) urged the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC) to reconsider new design plans and ensure their compliance with the Qatar Roads Design and Traffic Control Manuals, according to local media reports.

Wider internal roads and side streets, particularly in newer zones of Doha, would also help reduce accidents, it is hoped.

This request came following a proposal presented in March by CMC's Representative of District No. 18 Meshaal Abdullah al Nuaimi.

A second request proposed that all internal roads should be wide enough to comfortably accommodate a full-sized bus, in addition to having public bus stops, pedestrian walkways and parking lanes.

Doha is also notorious for not having dedicated cycle tracks that force cyclist onto the road, into heavy traffic.

Additionally, CMC members said that zebra crossings should be strategically located, keeping in mind the location of Qatar Rail's future metro stations.

Prior to releasing its list of recommendations, the PSUC hosted a number of MoTC officials.

The officials said that the number of road lanes is decided in accordance with the Qatar Roads Design and Traffic Control Manuals, and depends on traffic and usage, as well as the road's category and a careful study of its entrances and exits.

The officials outlined that all roads take into account the passage of buses and the public transport network's architecture, and highlighted that the Ministry is coordinating electronically with the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) in that regard.

Qatar traffic should definitely see a significant improvement if the proposals are accepted and implemented properly. What are your thoughts?