Following numerous complaints from tenants about road safety and noise pollution, the Pearl-Qatar has installed new speed radars along major routes on the man-made island.
In a statement to Doha News, Pearl developer United Development Company (UDC) said that five new radars with a limit of 60 km/hr have been placed at well-known trouble spots:
“Three new radars were installed along The Pearl Boulevard road up to the Qatar Cool signal to curb speeding and reckless driving behaviors.
And two other cameras were also placed – one at the Qatar Cool signal and the second at the Porto Arabia drive signal right before Medina Centrale’s entrance.”
The new cameras, which are similar in appearance to those placed on Doha’s Corniche, do not flash when they are recording violations.
New radar at @ThePearlQatar. Speed limit is 60 km/h. Drive safe Doha. @DohaNews #Qatar pic.twitter.com/NV1EDFPbh9
— Mohammed Makki (@Makks) June 23, 2014
This has led some to think the cameras are not operational:
@Makks @ThePearlQatar @dohanews I think it”s still not operational. Just passed it at 75-80, and no flash! 😉
— Nadeera Rangika (@nadeera_rangika) June 23, 2014
Others, meanwhile, predict that the cameras will prove to a money-generator, given how often people speed while driving around the island:
@Makks @ThePearlQatar @dohanews That will generate more income for Qatar than natural gas
— graham hill (@gjhill2006) June 23, 2014
The installation of the cameras is likely to be welcomed by many residents, who’ve raised concerns about reckless driving on the Pearl.
In February this year, for example, one resident told Doha News:
“Every day I see cars speeding, racing or driving in the opposite direction on this road, yet no action has been taken. I have written to the Pearl’s community master repeatedly, requesting speed bumps to be installed yet nothing has been done, and not even a reply indicating any intended actions.”
Jet ski nuisance
Noisy and dangerously-driven cars are not the only motorized vehicles causing Pearl residents sleepless nights.
In April, many spoke out about the effect that frequent visits by large groups of jet skis to the Pearl were having on their lives. At that time, American expat Kelly Wright said:
“Besides the annoyance of my son being woken by them at all hours, I’ve also seen multiple swimmers almost get hit, because the jet skiers and boats come right up to the beach at speeds too fast to see.”
A few months ago, UDC said that they had reached an agreement with Qatar’s Coast Guard to patrol the Pearl’s waterways. They promised that jet skis would be confiscated if their owners were found to be encroaching on restricted residential areas.
However, a tweet sent by this resident this week suggests the problem is still unresolved:
https://twitter.com/SueAnnMarquis/status/483325312818618369
Despite these ongoing concerns, however, UDC have said that they have a “zero tolerance” attitude to jet skis, and that they are treating all complaints with “the utmost urgency.”
Speaking to Doha News, a spokesman said this week:
“Security personnel are working closely with the coast guard and police to ensure there is no transgression into any areas of The Pearl Qatar.
UDC has adopted a zero tolerance attitude towards this issue and is also working closely with the police authorities to stop this unsociable behavior. UDC is fully aware of the issues with Jet Skis and is working towards a strategic plan to stop this behavior and this includes the installation of barricades where necessary.”
Residents are advised to call 800-6222 to report any problems, he added.
Thoughts?
