Coming soon… smart cars for driving test, ‘Made in Qatar’ speed cameras

One of the major complaints made by people appearing for drivers’ tests in Qatar is the casual way in which applicants are marked as failed. They feel there is no rhyme or reason for their ‘failed’ status.

However, such complaints could all be a thing of the past as traffic authorities in Qatar are planning to introduce ‘smart cars’ for driving tests that will decide results without intervention of supervising policemen, reported The Peninsula.

A model of the tailor-made smart car is currently on display at the GCC Traffic Week, which opened at Darb El Saai, yesterday.

“This year, we’ve displayed the smart car for driving tests. This car gives final results of the test without any involvement of the policeman in the assessment process,” said General Directorate of Traffic Director Brigadier Mohammed Saad Al Kharji.

Currently, traffic policemen supervise the final driving tests on the road and decide on the outcome.

“The smart car is still under evaluation and we’ll introduce it once the trial is successfully completed,” added the top official.

The smart car will have sensors which will assess the performance of trainee in using the brake and following rules related to signals, lanes, parking and speed, among others.

The smart car will provide a database for each trainee that can be referred to when needed. It can also record the results directly on the Traffic Department system.

Made-in-Qatar speed radars

New Qatari-made radars will soon be installed on roads to monitor traffic violations and help improve road safety, reported Qatar Tribune.

“The new speed radar has been developed using advanced technology and conform to international standards,” said Brigadier Al Kharji.

The new radar, developed in cooperation with local companies, will be put on trial for one year in order to evaluate its performance.

According to Qatar News Agency, the 33rd edition of the GCC Traffic Week, running under the theme ‘Your Life is Trust’ will feature such attractions as a traffic village, exhibition of vehicles, Police dogs show, first aid campaign by Hamad Medical Cooperation and a dedicated play zone for children.

This year a Souq Waqif pavilion is also planned where traditional goods, along with many restaurants and popular cafes would be featured.

While some of the country’s driving schools will provide practical training and tests for new drivers, there will also be a special pavilion for ‘One second’ program and traffic safety engineering as well.

Seminars and discussions will also be held to enhance traffic security and reduce road accidents.