Ten vehicles are caught on average daily for security reasons on the King Fahd Causeway, linking Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
Causeway Customs director Dhaifallah Al Otaibi stressed coordination between the National Information Centre and the Traffic Directorate to catch vehicles that are wanted over suspected involvement in security issues.
In a statement to Alriyadh, he said that vehicles found in breach of the law are referred to competent authorities for investigation.
He said that up to 400 vehicles are seized on average monthly for different violations.
Most of the vehicles are then handed back on payment of the incurred penalties, in co-operation with the Public Prosecution and “Absher” online payment system and the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA).
Vehicles involved in trafficking cases are impounded by the police pending investigation and court cases.
Citing the latest statistics, he said that up to 1,100 trucks cross the causeway on average daily. In August 2019, up to a million passengers crossed the 25-kilometer bridge.
Hi-tech equipment is being used to scan cars, vehicles and luggage and truckloads which contribute to slashing the waiting time to 23 minutes on average. The equipment is also used in foiling attempts to smuggle drugs and other prohibited items.
SOURCE : ALBILAD