JEDDAH, Jul 18 (Arab News): With increasing numbers of visitors to Madinah expected in the runup to Ramadan, the Ministry of Haj has prevented buses from entering the central area around the Prophet’s Mosque to avoid congestion.

The ministry has issued a circular directing all Haj and Umrah companies not to allow their buses from entering the central area. The ministry said all buses will be allowed to park in the car park for land pilgrims on the outskirts of Madinah.

The Shoura Council recently made a proposal to ban all vehicles carrying less than 25 people from entering the holy city of Makkah during the Haj season.

Muhammad Al-Ghamdi, secretary-general of the council, said the arrangements should be made in the interest of both pilgrims and residents. A reduction in the number of vehicles entering the holy city will help facilitate the smooth operations of ongoing expansion programs, he said.

Currently vehicles carrying less than nine people are banned from entering Makkah and the holy sites during the peak pilgrimage season.

Meanwhile, Madinah Gov. Prince Abdul Aziz bin Majed issued instructions that visitors to Madinah should only be accommodated in hotels and apartments approved and classified by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA). He added that anyone who violates this rule risks being punished.

Preparing for an increased number of visitors, the Madinah municipality last week opened a two-kilometer long pedestrian road for joggers and walkers. The road has been made welcoming and includes seating areas.

The Madinah Summer Festival also opened recently and will continue for an entire month. More than 200 various activities will be held during the festival.