Police sound warning to desert campers
sharjah — The Sharjah Police have warned desert campers — who come from various parts of the country — not to violate regulations by indulging in “irresponsible” acts that may lead to serious accidents.
Colonel Ahmed Bin Darwish, director of the Central Region police department, said they have put a range of security and preventive measures in place for the winter season. “The streets leading to camping areas are not racing rings, but places to drive safely,” he pointed out.
The police have also launched awareness campaigns targeting desert campers on the importance of adhering to rules and laws to ensure visitors’ safety.
Curbing reckless driving
In the wake of complaints about disturbance from residents living close to the desert camping areas, the Sharjah Police have introduced restrictions to address the problem. Camping in these areas would now only be allowed after obtaining permission from the authorities concerned. “The presence of a large number of campers and tourists in such areas creates disturbance, as many of them play loud music and make ear-shattering noises,” Col Darwish noted.
Motorists have been instructed to refrain from creating commotion, not to drive in unauthorised areas, avoid using cars not equipped for desert driving and not engage in group racing. “Last year, there were serious injuries from risky driving of quad motorbikes, often by small and young children,” he added, saying that
This year, the police started tackling the issue early, deploying patrols on highways leading to the camping areas and posting rescue units at the exits and entrances, from the start of October.
Special operations room
The Sharjah Police have established a special operations room near desert camping areas, to exclusively serve campers and respond to any emergency as quickly as possible. It will locate those who get lost in the desert and provide first-aid as well.
The patrol, supporting the operation rooms, will monitor the area until late night. Some of the patrols have also been deployed at the checkpoints near the entrance of Badayer, to apprehend people driving without licences as well as monitor other violations. Barbed wire fencing has also been placed along the roads to prevent accidents caused by stray animals and camels.
The police will soon introduce a special vehicle with equipment to serve Badayer, Al-Faiya, and other camping areas on Melihah Street. Campers are urged to call 999 in the event of any trouble.
Fines for unauthorised camping
Col Darwish said that a fine of Dh2,000 would be imposed for camping in unauthorised areas. This amount will be doubled in case of repeated violations. The fines have been linked with the Ministry of Interior’s system, to be paid when renewing vehicle registrations.
Community police
Lt Col Faris Abu Afra, deputy director of community police, said that they are taking advantage of the large number of tourists and residents in camping areas during the winter season to convey positive messages about security, and enlightening people about important traffic and security laws.
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com