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Drive on hard shoulder, go without car for a month!

DUBAI — Motorists caught driving on the hard shoulder to get to office quickly through peak time traffic will have to do without their vehicle for a month!

Police personnel manning traffic have been directed to take a serious view of driving on the hard shoulder and detain the vehicle for one month in addition to imposing a hefty fine, said an official of the Dubai Traffic Police.

The excuse that one is late for office will no longer wash, said Lt-Col. Hani Jamal Al Sawalhi, the Bur Dubai Traffic Police in-charge, who is overseeing a weeklong campaign to enforce traffic rules more stringently.

“People have to leave early to reach their destination in the light of current traffic realities,” said Lt-Col. Sawalhi.

Traffic personnel, he said, have been asked not to accept such excuses.

The personnel are also looking seriously at all major violations including crossing the yellow box when traffic is not clear. The vehicle would be seized for a week in addition to imposing a fine, said Brig. Mohammed Saif Al Zafeen, the director of the traffic department.

“The main problem we have is the failure of motorists to observe lane discipline when a small accident occurs,” the police officer said. The campaign is especially focusing on easing traffic snarl ups and controlling reckless driving.

Lt-Col. Abdullah Al Gaithi, the department’s deputy director, said nine police officers have been deployed in Deira and 11 in Bur Dubai to oversee traffic management. The officers were also directing motorists to take alternative routes to smoothen traffic flow and help drivers reach their destinations faster.

One of the major traffic bottlenecks being tackled is at Al Qitaeyat, on way from Shaikh Zayed Road towards the Al Maktoum bridge. There had been complaints that irresponsible motorists were violating rules and aggravating the traffic situation in the area.

Brig. Zafeen commended the efforts of the traffic personnel, who work hard to ensure smooth flow of traffic.

“Traffic cops have shown a great level of responsibility and cooperation with their supervisors in reducing traffic congestion,” said Brig. Zafeen, reiterating his call for better pay for them commensurate with the work they are handling.

He said the traffic cops have been successful in controlling reckless driving behaviour. This, he said, enhanced the smooth flow of traffic.

“Their role is not restricted to a specific time of the year, but is a continuing process”, said Brig. Zafeen.

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