Police emphasise traffic safety for New Year bash in Abu Dhabi
MOTORISTS URGED TO ABIDE BY RULES; TOP BILLING FOR FIREWORKS VENUES
Abu Dhabi is all set to usher in 2023 with a comprehensive traffic and safety plan that will ensure the security of all residents and visitors.
In a statement, the Abu Dhabi Police said it will operate under a strategy that secures tourist spots, commercial centres and traffic on New Year’s Eve. Traffic patrols will monitor and direct vehicle movement in busy areas, and authorities have meanwhile urged motorists to adhere to all traffic regulations.
Motorists have been urged to avoid speeding at all times, and not to use handheld devices while driving. The Police also urged residents to be attentive towards road conditions, and maintain adequate distance from other vehicles.
Due to heavy traffic, especially around key sites where New Year’s Eve fireworks displays are hosted, motorists must follow traffic laws to ensure their own safety, and the safety of all other road users.
The police also strictly cautioned against reckless road behaviour, including driving vehicles with noisy modifications, in order to ensure public order during the New Year celebrations.
Tech tools
Brigadier General Nasser Suleiman Al Maskari, director of operations at the Abu Dhabi Police Central Operations Division, said the most advanced technologies would be used to support traffic officers on the day. He also urged residents to reach out to authorities at any time.
In order to facilitate smooth traffic movement in Abu Dhabi city, the Police has already placed a restriction on the movement of heavy vehicles from 7am tomorrow, December 31, 2022 until 7am on Sunday, January 1, 2023. During the period, heavy vehicles will not be allowed to enter Abu Dhabi island, or ply the four bridges – Al Maqta Bridge, Musaffah Bridge, Shaikh Zayed Bridge and Shaikh Khalifa Bridge – which connect the island to the mainland. Police officials said that only heavy vehicles providing logistics and support services will be allowed.
Meanwhile, public parking will remain free on New Year’s Day, in keeping with Abu Dhabi designating as a free parking day. Darb tolls will also not be charged throughout the day since the toll is not levied on Sundays in Abu Dhabi.
The police also strictly cautioned against reckless road behaviour, including driving vehicles with noisy modifications, to ensure public order during New Year celebrations.