Police: Stop or pay Dh1,000 fines for ignoring school bus signals
dubai — Motorists failing to halt on seeing stop signs by school buses will be fined Dh1,000 and slapped with 10 black points, warned Major-General Mohammed Saif Al Zafin, assistant commander-in-chief of the Dubai Police for Operations Affairs and chairman of the Federal Traffic Council.
This is in accordance with Resolution No (178) of 2017 on traffic rules and procedures, and resolution No (91).
School bus drivers and parents are also urged to adhere to the specific speeds and follow the rules when transporting their children. He also called on drivers to be careful while passing through the streets near schools, and when entering and exiting the school premises.
Parents are further urged to not let their children cross roads alone, and all children under age 12 must be seated in the rear, with seat belts on. Children must also be dropped off only at appointed drop-off or parking spots, and not on the opposite side of the road from their schools or homes, to avoid possible run-over accidents.
The school bus attendants should ensure that children follow the rules while getting on and off the bus, standing in groups about 10 steps away from the bus stop and approach the vehicle in an organised manner while boarding.
Dubai’s traffic programme is always in readiness before the start of the new school year, with special programmes to educate school bus drivers in measures to be followed while transporting students.
Brigadier Ali Khalfan Al Dhaheri, director of the Central Operations Department of the force, said: “The Abu Dhabi Police, through its competent departments, is ready for the new academic year and traf- fic patrols will be intensified at intersections near schools to ensure the safety of children and smooth traffic movement.”
Abu Dhabi traffic authorities also warned it also fines the bus driver Dh500 and six black points if he fails to display the stop arm when picking up or dropping off pupils. The stringent measures are also part of the ‘Amana Student Safety’ campaign by the Abu Dhabi Police.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com