The spring break has seen Jeddah come alive with tourists and shoppers crowding into malls, restaurants and markets at night. Since Thursday, Jeddah has taken on a new look with billboards and posters welcoming visitors. This year's spring holiday has been characterized by cool weather, with temperatures in the morning between 24 and 25 degrees Centigrade and between 20 and 21 degrees Centigrade in the evening. About one million local and foreign visitors are expected in Jeddah this vacation. With the increased activity at night, there have also been complaints from citizens of traffic jams in various parts of the city. Citizens interviewed by Okaz/Saudi Gazette said that traffic jams and overcrowding have become a feature of the Bride of the Red Sea, especially during the holidays. Muhammad Attiyyah, Khalid Hassan, Abdul Aziz Abdullah and Ahmad Ali said there are traffic jams near shopping malls and markets such as the intersection between Madina Road and Sari Street. Citizens and residents have suggested that markets be opened in the mornings throughout the week, especially during holidays when tourists are around in the city. This will ease the pressure on shopping malls at night, when families traditionally go out for shopping. It will also ensure less traffic on the roads at night. Muhammad Omar, a management official at one of the recreational parks, said there is tremendous tourism activity in Jeddah. He said tourists and local shoppers are attracted by the many attractive sales and discounts on offer. Traffic plan Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Muhammad Bin Hassan Al-Qahtani, Director of Jeddah Traffic Department, said the department has started implementing its traffic plan for the mid-year vacation. This includes monitoring about 150 locations frequented by many shoppers and visitors. These areas are known for traffic problems and many violations. The traffic authorities have deployed many uniformed and plainclothes officers in these areas. Saher is also operational in these areas. He said about 480 Traffic Department patrols are employed as part of the mid-year vacation plan. Al-Qahtani said these patrols are present at malls, the northern and southern Corniche, locations where there are many furnished apartments, recreation parks, and markets. He said Traffic Department patrols intensify their work in the evenings when visitors to Jeddah are more active. The crowding in Jeddah currently is usually on the main roads, including Madina and Al-Haramain roads, and Al-Tahlia, Sari and Quraish streets in the north, starting at 5 P.M. and increasing after dusk (Maghreb) prayer. There is also a great deal of activity in the south including Palestine, Waly Al-Ahd and Makkah roads. The Jeddah Mayoralty said it is working with the Traffic Department to find solutions for the traffic problems until the ongoing projects in Jeddah are completed. __
