Nobody objects to measures taken to guarantee the safety and security of the country and its residents. Pushing things to extremes, however, can lead to public inconvenience and frustration. If that happens, things should be changed in order to guarantee security.

What happens on weekends on the Jeddah Corniche is a source of inconvenience to many. People have to stop at three different checkpoints, all within a distance of no more than a kilometer. This measure surely deserves to be reconsidered. One checkpoint is surely enough in a single kilometer; after all, people should be able to enjoy a relaxing time when they choose to go out.

One Friday I had to show my driving license and other documents to police officers at three checkpoints which were all very near to each other. Having passed the first, I was stopped at the second no more than 150 meters away and at the third a short distance further on. At the third, the officer let me pass without showing my documents for the third time.

I still don’t really understand why there are so many checkpoints on weekends. This makes going out unpleasant and causes traffic jams. We need to use a different approach on weekends. The sight of a policeman holding a book, ready to issue tickets to violators has become a real annoyance to motorists and their families. The police of course have every right to do what is required in order to ensure public safety and security. Their efforts and diligence must be commended and appreciated. But to have three checkpoints within a short distance is surely excessive.

I don’t even like to think about going out on weekends. Thursdays and Fridays have turned into nightmares. It is on those two days that I hate driving and wish I could spend the whole day at home. If my family allowed me, I would trade my car for a bicycle and encourage others to do the same. I cannot remember the number of times I have had to show my driving license, car registration and other papers but I can tell for sure that the papers have been handled so much, they have become almost unreadable.

— Arab News From the Local Press 29 January 2003