CAIRO: Cairo s motorists are starting to feel the pinch of the new traffic law: 144 drivers were recently arrested for driving on the wrong side of the road, reported state-run Al-Ahram. Cairo s Investigation Department ordered their detainment for four days and referred them to court. Earlier this week, Prosecutor General Abdel Meguid Mahmoud referred 58 people to criminal prosecution for violating traffic laws, for which they can receive jail sentences. Mahmoud emphasized the importance of taking legal action against drivers who violate traffic laws, especially driving on the wrong side of the road, driving without a license or motorcycle drivers not wearing helmets. He called on members of the prosecution office to strictly apply fines and penalties so the roads can be safer. Mohamed Mansour, assistant to the minister of interior and director of the general traffic authority, said that the deadline for obtaining reflective triangles and first aid kits is Feb. 2. A ministry spokesperson said that starting from that date, drivers renewing their licenses will be required to have both. According to the Ministry of Interior s website, the deadline was postponed from an initial date of Nov. 2, 2008.
