MORE PATROLS ON ROAD TO ENFORCE NEW TRAFFIC LAWS
Cops vow to implement tougher federal laws that will take effect from July 1
dubai — Are you prepared for the UAE’s new traffic rules? The police authorities across the emirates are. After months of awareness campaigns, more than 90 patrols will be deployed across five of the country’s most dangerous roads from Saturday — the day the new federal traffic law comes into effect.
Though smart radars and cameras will monitor many of the new violations, additional footfalls from the traffic police on the ground will play a pivotal role in making the UAE roads safer.
The amended law, which commences on July 1, includes 17 articles which focus on re-examining all traffic violations, with many of the new rules relating to child safety in cars, window tinting, speeding, crowding around accident sites, and compulsory usage of seatbelts.
Back in March, Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minster of Interior, issued a ministerial decision, amending the federal traffic law. It has been three months since that announcement, and while police authorities have been working tirelessly to educate residents here on the new rules, the proof will be in the pudding over the next few months.
On Saturday, special police patrols will be deployed in Dubai and Sharjah to ensure residents abide by the new rules; those who don’t will be penalised as per the amended penalties and fines.
Brigadier-General Saif Al Zari Al Shamsi, commander-in-chief of the Sharjah Police, said the police are “well-prepared to enforce the laws from July 1”.
“Inspection campaigns will commence on July 1 to ensure that motorists abide by the new laws. More than 90 patrols will be deployed across the emirate — especially on roads that witness a large number of accidents,” he said. The amended law is expected to reduce traffic deaths on the UAE’s roads, making the country one of the safest
in the world.
Police authorities across the UAE are all set to enforce the changes in the federal traffic law, which come into effect on Saturday. More than 90 patrols will be deployed across five of Sharjah’s most dangerous roads in the first few weeks following the implementation of the new rules to ensure compliance.
The police have been carrying out awareness campaigns since April to educate residents about the amended traffic laws.
On Saturday, special police patrols will be deployed in Dubai and Sharjah to ensure residents are abiding by the new rules. The patrols will penalise motorists who don’t comply with the new rules.
Back in March, Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minster of Interior (MoI), had issued a ministerial decision, amending the federal traffic law.
The law includes 17 articles which focus on re-examining traffic violations in terms of black points and raising the number of points for some of the serious offences. The MoI issued the decision in a bid to make the UAE one of the safest countries in the world, said the ministry.
Many of the new rules relate to child safety in cars, window tinting, speeding, crowding around accident sites, failure to stop at a red signal, jaywalking and failure to wear seatbelts.
However, the penalties for some violations have been increased due to the sheer number of offences recorded in the past.
Inspections go smart
Smart radars and cameras will monitor many of the new violations. Additional footfall on the ground from the traffic police departments will play a pivotal role in making the UAE roads safer.
Referring to the time period between the announcement of the new traffic rules and its implementation, Major-General Mohammed Saif Al Zafeen, assistant commander-inchief of Dubai Police and chairman of the Federal Traffic Council, said three months were enough to educate the public about the new rules. He stressed that the awareness campaigns will continue even after the rules are implemented.
Brigadier-General Saif Al Zari Al Shamsi, Commander-in-Chief of the Sharjah Police, said the police are “well-prepared to enforce the rules from July 1”.
“Inspection campaigns will commence on July 1 to ensure that motorists are abiding by the new rules. More than 90 patrols will be deployed across the emirate — especially on roads that witness a large number of accidents,” he said.
During their campaigns, the police distributed awareness publications, conducted lectures and sent messages to the public through social media channels about the amended articles of the federal law.
Lauding the new rules, Thomas Edelmann, founder and managing director of RoadSafetyUAE, told Khaleej Times: “This is one of the most wonderful news we have had in a long time with regards to improving road safety in the UAE.”
The amended law is expected to reduce traffic deaths from 6.1 deaths per 100,000 people to 3. The number of road fatalities last year reached an alarming 725 — up from 675 in 2015.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com