Additional “civilian-looking” police vehicles are being deployed onto Qatar streets to monitor traffic and write up motorists who are breaking common road rules, Al Raya reports.

The cars will apparently be equipped with cameras to record violations such as using mobile phones while driving, not buckling up, throwing trash from cars and seating children under the age of 10 years old in the front seats of the car, the Peninsula translates.

Police will also be cracking down on those who overtake from the right, who drive and park on sidewalks, or park illegally in handicapped spots.

This is not the first time Qatar has sent out unmarked cars to catch violators.

In June, Traffic Department officials said officers in private vehicles were being deployed to the Al Wabb, C-Ring and February 22 Road areas to catch rogue motorists.

At the time, Capt. Hamad Ali al Misnad said officers would still be dressed in uniform while taking action against those who violate the law.

He added that the main problem was that many people only behaved when they saw police cars around.

So far, eight new unmarked Land Cruisers and Nissan Patrols have been sent out to monitor the streets this week, Al Raya stated.

Traffic woes discussed

The news comes days after senior members of the government discussed Qatar’s rising traffic problems. According to the most recent government figures available, the number of people dying in car crashes is rising, while the number of traffic violations is falling.

According to QNA, the Cabinet reviewed a report from the National Committee for Traffic Safety on Wednesday.

The report includes several suggestions about improving congestion and other issues, the newswire stated, without going into specifics.

Do you think the new unmarked patrols will help improve the state of Qatar’s roads? Thoughts?