Peter Alagos
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Motorists have raised concern over a “misleading” speed limit signage along the Najma Street, which they said could be a potential road hazard.
The signage is just beside the Woqod petrol station along the Najma Street. When coming from the C-Ring Road, a 60km/h speed limit signboard greets motorists as they exit the nearby roundabout leading towards the Nuaija Intersection along the D-Ring Road.
However, just barely a hundred metres after the 60km/h signage, an 80km/h speed limit sign together with a camera icon on top is also posted as drivers approach the Nuaija Intersection.
“It should be the other way around,” said a Nigerian taxi driver who spoke to Gulf Times at the Woqod petrol station.
The taxi driver explained that as motorists exited the roundabout, it would be logical to speed up to 80km/h and then slow down to 60km/h as their vehicles approach the D-Ring Road.
But he also observed that even if the road signs were interchanged, accelerating to 80km/h while exiting a traffic circle was “very dangerous” since the upcoming intersection was only about 200m away from the small roundabout.
“Driving at around 60km/h or even a little slower would be a moderate and safe speed to take since motorists should always proceed with caution when entering or exiting roundabouts,” he added.
Another motorist, who was also at the petrol station to get his car washed, said the “misleading” road signs could serve as a safety hazard making the small roundabout and nearby traffic signal accident-prone areas.
“Vehicular movement in this area is constant and busy. During rush hour or when there are many motorists going to Woqod, the petrol station’s entrance along Najma Street becomes a bottleneck,” he said.
He stressed that vehicles exiting the roundabout were prone to hitting other cars entering the petrol station. “There are times when long queues would build up inside the petrol station and they would even extend outside towards the main road.”
Attendants at the petrol station, however, said only occasional minor accidents occurred along the area. But the driver cautioned that the misleading signage still remained as “a potential accident waiting to happen”.
While the motorist agreed that most residents could already be familiar of the Najma Street, he emphasised that there was an increasing number of newly-licensed drivers still trying to familiarise themselves with the routes.
“These beginners are either excited or nervous as they start driving along the major roads and their inexperience or unfamiliarity with the routes, demeanour, and even road signs can be dangerous to themselves and other motorists,” he stressed.