Dubai: 'Slow' drivers asked to get off the fast lane

The Dubai Police have launched a campaign to urge motorists to give way to emergency and overtaking vehicles on the fast lane.

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The two-month safety drive launched in partnership with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Media Incorporated, aims to raise awareness among drivers on the importance of giving way in the far left lane (fast lane) and limiting its use to overtaking and emergency vehicles.

As per the Ministerial Resolution No. (179) of 2017 on the Rules and Procedures for Traffic Control, police officers can issue a Dh400 penalty and 4 black points against motorists who fail to give way to vehicles coming from the back or the left side of the road.

The drive also calls on drivers to use indicators when changing lanes and maintaining safe distance between vehicles to avoid collision.

A Dh400 fine can be issued against motorists for failure to keep safe distance between the vehicle in front.

Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, said: “The campaign aims at enhancing road safety and security, reducing accidents and preventing aggressive driving behaviour.”

Lt. Gen. Al Marri urged drivers to give way to those wishing to overtake, and police patrols and ambulances so they could attend to emergency cases as soon as possible and save lives.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), said: “The campaign is one of the many joint initiatives by RTA and Dubai Police to maintain traffic safety across Dubai by implementing procedures and launching campaigns to inform road users.”

While noting that technical specifications for determining speed limits on Dubai’s roads are the best in the world, he said curricula at driving training institutes emphasise keeping the left lane of the road vacant, except if one is overtaking.

hesham@khaleejtimes.com