Minister of Communication and Information Technology Atef Helmy attended the signing of a joint cooperation protocol with the Ministry of Interior, aimed at integrating technology into the transportation sector to monitor urban streets, according to an official statement issued by the communication ministry on Monday. The protocol will ensure a quick response to traffic emergencies and improve the transportation system by establishing safe and effective means of transportation, Helmy said. The move among the government's endeavours to overcome the traffic congestion resulting from overpopulation and urban expansion, the minister added. The protocol includes a traffic e-portal, as the development process depends on providing information relating to traffic rates on main streets to citizens. The information can be obtained automatically through cameras, mobile traffic agents and an integrated database at the Central Traffic Department. The protocol stated that a traffic communications centre would be installed to receive reports and citizen inquiries, suggestions and complaints. Helmy announced that the e-payment centre will be inaugurated in May. In January, the Ministry of Interior launched an electronic payment service for issuing automobile licences, which enables individuals to receive their licences directly from the traffic unit without undergoing additional procedures besides the technical examination. In February, the interior ministry announced that by the end of 2014, citizens in all governorates will be able to pay their car fees through Fawry outlets, which are payment services available through banks and post offices. The services will be available in 4,000 ATMS and 1,300 postal offices. Car owners are required to enter their national identification number in the payment machine, then the system will automatically show the value of cash needed," said Hassan El-Berdisi, Head of Cairo Traffic Department. Users have the option to pay in cash or through a credit card, he added.
