Sharjah Police prepare for a safe winter
sharjah — The Sharjah Police have issued warnings against various illegal practices by desert campers, in the wake of the winter season. A senior official told Khaleej
that the police would crack down on desert campers who drive the cars without licence, ride quad bikes on highways and fail to use the safety equipment and camp in unauthorised areas.
Brig Ahmed bin Darwish, director of the central region police, said that the police, as part of its plans to curb negative practices that prevail during the winter season, have deployed patrol in areas that witness huge number of desert campers. The police will also deploy a special rescue unit that is equipped with an advanced desert ambulance to quickly respond to an emergency. “We have also prepared a fleet of advanced recovery vehicles to help campers whose car get stuck in the sand and those who lose their way in the desert,” he added.
A coordination meeting with the Sharjah Municipality officials was held recently under the instruction of Maj-Gen Saif Al Shamsi, Commander-in-Chief of the Sharjah Police, to make joint efforts in monitoring the desert areas, especially in Badair, Al Saifah, Al Batih, Al Dhaid and Mleihah areas. A committee was formed to ensure safe winter for desert campers.
Brig Bin Darwish said the police, in coordination with the municipal committee, have put all preparations, precautions and preventive measures in place. This include deploying patrols and installing cameras on streets leading to camping areas. “The patrols were deployed since the beginning of October. They have already started instructing motorists to refrain from creating commotion, not to drive in unauthorised areas, avoid using cars that are not designed for desert driving and not to get engaged in illegal racing.”
Action against public nuisance
He said that in the wake of complaints about nuisance from residents living close to the camping areas, the police have introduced a number of restrictions. Camping in such 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 nuisance to the residents as many of them play loud music,” Brig Bin Darwish added. He said that the desert cars are prepared for sandy tracks, but if the driver lacks expertise, it could turn into a nightmare.
Special operation room
The Sharjah Police have established a special operation room near camping areas to serve only the desert campers and respond to any emergency as quickly as possible. It is entrusted with the responsibility to locate those who get lost in the desert and provide first aid to anyone who receives minor injuries. The patrols — which support the operation room — remain in the area until late night. Some of the patrols have also been deployed at the checkpoints near the entrance of Badair to nab people driving without licences.
Brig Darwish said that a fine of Dh2,000 would be imposed on people who camp in unauthorised areas. This fine is doubled in case of repeated violations. The fines have been linked with the Ministry of Interior system, to be paid when renewing vehicle registrations.