Is UAE planning to scrap 20kmph speed limit margin?

Abu Dhabi - The public is invited to share their opinion.

Traffic authorities will see if they want to consider removing the speed limit margin on UAE roads and the fine, following the public's views and reactions on the matter.

"The Federal Traffic Council will study results from the people's views and opinions about the removal of the 20km/hr speed limit margin, and forward its recommendations to Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, for issuance of a suitable law," said Maj Gen Mohammed Al Zafeen, chairman of the Federal Traffic Council and assistant commander-in-chief at Dubai Police.

His comments followed a tweet, in which he asked the public about their views and opinions on whether to remove or maintain the speed limit margin and the fine, which went viral.

On his Twitter account Al Zafeen asked: "Do you support maintaining the 20km/h speed limit margin and the Dh600 fine or the removal of the speed limit margin and reducing the fine to Dh300?"

His tweet received about 300 reactions and 500 retweets in a period of less than 12 hours.

Al Zafeen said the aim of the tweet was to get public views on the issue of the speed limit margin and fine, and that results from their reactions would be looked into by a team from the Federal Traffic Council and to consider whether authorities remove the speed limit margin or maintain it.

He said if the majority of the reactions or views are in support of the removal of the speed limit margin and fine, the council will recommend the matter, but if many people were opposed to it, it the speed limit margin will remain in place.

In some of reactions to his tweet, many people suggested to maintaining the speed limit margin and reducing the fine to Dh300.

But General Al Zafeen's response was that it was not permissible because the fine stipulated by the new traffic regulations was Dh600 if the speed limit margin is maintained.

People were supposed to answer 'Yes' or 'No' to Al Zafeen's question in addition to giving their views about the issue of the speed limit margin.

ismail@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi