His Majesty King Abdullah II called on the government to formulate a comprehensive plan to develop the transport sector in the Kingdom, and deal with traffic issues and accidents that claim the lives of citizens.

His Majesty, who chaired a meeting in the presence of the prime minister, and the ministers of the Hashemite Royal Court, social development, acting interior minister, public works and housing, transport and municipal affairs and director of the Public Security Department, said that traffic jam and violation of order, threaten the lives of citizens. He underlined the need to accomplish a comprehensive plan within two months to tackle these issues in a practical and civilized way.

King Abdullah stressed the importance of activating the role of traffic police, qualify its personnel and provide them with advanced vehicles and equipments. He also emphasized the importance of activating traffic laws and increasing traffic awareness among school students.

"The progress and development that Jordan is witnessing in all spheres require a similar progress in the public transport sector," he said, noting the possibility of introducing new transport means such as the construction of a railway road between Amman and Zarqa.

According to statistics collected by the Public Security department, traffic accidents caused the death of 850 citizens and the injury of 17,000 others last year, 3000 of which became disabled.

Losses as result of traffic accidents were also estimiated at JD180 million.