The Traffic Department, one of the most efficient government entities in Qatar, are gearing up to become even more so by opening six new offices with insurance companies to enable clients to complete procedures at one location.

The proposed offices will serve as a one-stop facility, combining both traffic and insurance services, reported Gulf Times.

Despite rapid increase in the number of vehicles and massive infrastructure projects being under way throughout the country, the General Directorate of Traffic managed to make traffic flow smooth and hassle free by implementing a series of measures to enhance road safety, reported Qatar Tribune.

The traffic department implemented a GIS programme to prepare maps, drawings and engineering software and synchronised the detouring system directly with the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) enabling it to overcome many challenges.

The GDT had also opened two new traffic offices at the Pearl district and the new south traffic department office for a quicker response to accidents and more coverage of areas.

A search and investigation team was formed to investigate serious incidents in addition to the activation of security cameras “Talaa” to detect traffic violations and ensure traffic safety.

As part of implementing the strategy of paperless transactions, the first phase of the registration of accidents through Metrash2 was implemented. Mechanical inspection of vehicles was linked to the traffic system and paper report was stopped. 

The transfer of ownership and renewal of driving licences for all vehicles can now be completed through Metrash 2. 

All these measures have reflected positively in figures. In the Licensing and Permits Section, the works showed increase of 10.2%. The total work amounted to 89,758 transactions in 2016, it went up to 98,932 in 2017. The work of the traffic planning section increased by 9.4% compared to 2016.

The Support and Operations Section recorded an increase of 257% with a total of 348 activities for 2017, while in 2016 there were 97 activities.

The Traffic Awareness Section indicated an increase in the awareness activities by 7% in 2017 compared to activities in 2016.