As students gear up for the upcoming academic year in 2024-2025, The Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal’ in Doha, Qatar, has announced the successful completion of school zone safety measures around 611 schools across the country. Ashghal places a high priority on ensuring the safety of students within school zones, leading to the adoption of various measures aimed at protecting young pedestrians and commuters. These efforts include a range of measures to establish safer environments for students, parents, and school staff during their daily journeys to and from school. The School Zone Safety Programme, covering 673 schools in various areas across Qatar, has seen the completion of safety measures for 611 schools.
Eng. Ahmed Rashid Al-Kubaisi, the Manager of the Roads Operations & Maintenance Department at Ashghal, highlighted the need to prioritize the well-being of students by implementing comprehensive safety initiatives. He emphasized the importance of creating environments where students can travel safely to and from school, fostering a culture of pedestrian safety and responsible commuting habits. Collaboration with various authorities such as the Ministry of Interior, the National Road Safety Committee, transportation and education bodies, law enforcement agencies, school administrations, and local communities is crucial for the effective implementation of school zone safety measures and the reduction of car accidents.
The Road Operations and Maintenance Department at Ashghal has taken on the task of constructing and enhancing roads while adhering to strict safety protocols. This includes the installation of directional signs, reflective road studs, interlocks, kerbs, and pedestrian railings. The department also focuses on applying road and crosswalk markings to improve pedestrian visibility in school zones and adjacent areas, as well as enforcing a 30 kph speed limit. Other measures involve providing vehicle parking spaces, constructing central islands, and mini roundabouts to manage traffic flow effectively. In addition, Ashghal is launching an awareness campaign this year aimed at promoting best practices and encouraging proper traffic behaviors among students, families, and educational staff.
In line with the National Traffic Safety Strategy and the Qatar National Vision 2030, Ashghal continues to implement a comprehensive plan with international standards to ensure and enhance school zone safety measures around schools on an annual basis. This ongoing commitment to safety underscores Ashghal’s dedication to creating a safer environment for students and commuters in Qatar. By working together with various stakeholders and communities, Ashghal aims to reduce the risks of accidents and promote a culture of responsible road behavior among students and the broader population. The successful implementation of school zone safety measures reflects Ashghal’s commitment to prioritizing the well-being of students and creating a safe and secure environment for all road users in Qatar.
