‘Helicopters to monitor celebrations on Tawjihi results day’

AMMAN — Helicopters will be monitoring streets to watch for violations following the announcement of the high school exam results, an official said on Thursday.

The move is intended to curb the dangerous celebrations that often occur on results day for the Tawjihi, the General Secondary Education Certificate Examination.  

Al Rai daily on Thursday quoted an anonymous source who expected Tawjihi results to be announced within the coming two days. 

“Negative practices in streets after the announcement of the Tawjihi results continue to be a phenomenon despite the warnings and accidents that occur as a result of reckless celebrations,” Central Traffic Department Director Col. Yaser Harahsheh told The Jordan Times.

He said the helicopters would be provided with cameras that detect traffic violations, such as reckless driving, obstructing traffic and celebratory car processions. 

“We urge the public to express their joy in a civilised manner, instead of engaging in practices that pose a threat to the lives of others or cause traffic congestion,” said Harahsheh, noting that the department will step up its presence across Jordan, increasing the number of officers on duty.  

“Our cadres will be in uniform and
plainclothes. They will deal with violations on the spot,” he said, and cameras placed near traffic lights will also be used to detect violations. 

University graduations are also accompanied by reckless celebrations according to Harahsheh, who noted that some 4,500 cars were ticketed on Wednesday alone, when graduation ceremonies took place. 

“This is unfortunate. We hope to see people celebrating their graduation in safe and healthy ways,” he noted. 

Celebratory gunfire is a common practice to celebrate Tawjihi results.

The police dealt with more than 300 violations around the Kingdom after the announcement of the Tawjihi winter session results this year. 

Of the 300 violations, 270 were recorded in the capital, and security personnel caught one person shooting in the air near a school.