Motorists support 120kph minimum speed limit on Abu Dhabi road
Drivers have backed the introduction of a 120kph minimum speed limit on a major Abu Dhabi motorway.
Abu Dhabi Police said the traffic measures on Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Road would apply to drivers travelling in the first and second lanes from the left.
The maximum speed limit for the route, which links Abu Dhabi and Dubai, will remain at 140kph.
The minimum speed limit will not apply in the third lane and the right lane, for use by heavy vehicles.
The rules come into effect this month, with fines of
Dh400 ($108) for travelling below 120kph in the designated lanes to be applied from May 1.
“The goal of the low-speed activation is to ensure the safety of drivers, to require slow vehicles to move on the right lanes and to always make way for vehicles with preference coming from behind or from the left,” said Gen Ahmed Saif Al Muhairi, director of Central Operations Sector at Abu Dhabi Police.
Drivers travelling slowly – particularly in the far-left lane – can be subject to aggressive tailgating from faster moving vehicles that approach them from behind.
Their behaviour may also force motorists travelling at higher speeds to take evasive action, such as slowing down suddenly and swiftly switching lanes, which can also be hazardous.
Abu Dhabi Police posted a poll on social media on Friday, asking the public if the scheme would “enhance the safety of road users”.
More than 3,400 people responded, with 78.5 per cent in favour of the new speed limit.
Twitter users also offered their views in the comments section of the post.
“We benefit greatly from it. Some people walk at 60 and the street speed is 140,” wrote one driver.
Another said it was important to examine the “widespread phenomenon” of motorists travelling too slowly.
One driver suggested specific speed limits be introduced for each lane on a motorway.
“In my opinion, each lane must have a specific minimum speed, meaning if the maximum street speed is 140, then the lowest left lane will be 120, and the next lane is 100, and the next lane is 80,” he said. The AA, a UK motoring organisation, highlights the risks of failing to maintain appropriate speeds in a blog post offering guidance to learner drivers.
“Being hesitant and driving too slowly can actually lead you to fail your test, as it can be dangerous,” the post reads.
“Examiners pass positive drivers, not negative or risktaking ones.”
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Road, which is named in honour of the Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, opened in November 2016.
The 62-kilometre motorway, built at a cost of Dh2.1 billion, shares traffic with Sheikh Zayed Road to ease congestion between the two cities.