5 special patrols to curb traffic snarls after crashes on MBZ road

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5 special patrols to curb traffic snarls after crashes on MBZ road

Dubai - The units would also help remove vehicles involved in traffic incidents to restore traffic back to normal.

By Team KT

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Published: Sat 11 Aug 2018, 12:57 PM

Last updated: Sun 12 Aug 2018, 1:02 AM

Five road patrol units will be stationed on a 70-km stretch of the Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Road (E311) for the trial run of a scheme that aims to accelerate response time to accidents. Each of these units will cover a 13-km stretch and help emergency workers arrive at an accident site within 10 minutes. 
The units would cater to vehicle breakdowns and deal with minor incidents that do not warrant hailing the police. The units would also help remove vehicles involved in traffic incidents to restore traffic back to normal. 
According to a top official, the units would also assess the resulting damage inflicted to the infrastructure, file reports, carry out diversions at site, and assist road users. "The unit will also lend support to the Dubai Police and protect vehicles at the site, besides offering traffic support during events," Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), said on Saturday.
This came as the RTA and the police announced the awarding of the contract for the trial run of the Traffic Incidents Management (TIM) scheme to Emirates Transport. The TIM scheme will be implemented on the 70-km stretch of the Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Road (MBZ Road) for one year starting from September 16.
"The RTA is undertaking the TIM scheme in collaboration with the Dubai Police. The scheme is coordinated with the Dubai Municipality, Dubai Traffic Prosecution, Directorate General of Dubai Civil Defence, and Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services," Al Tayer said.
The scheme is intended to ensure rapid deployment for clearance of vehicles involved in minor incidents or those that break down on roads. "The underlying objective of the scheme is to fend off potential snarls, streamline the traffic flow at the accident site and avoid secondary accidents triggered by sudden congestion," said Al Tayer.
The official said that E311 was selected for the trial run due to the "intense traffic movement" it experiences, especially during the peak hours. The high frequency of minor incidents and vehicles breakdowns the road witnesses is another factor.
Major-General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of the Dubai Police, said the force would investigate major accidents and injury-associated accidents, report traffic offences, provide judicial support to the incidents unit, monitor traffic cameras and undertake clearance of casualties, among others.
"The RTA will provide technical support to the traffic unit, study traffic diversions and manage the timings of light signals as well as the virtual messaging signs and tactical traffic diversions. It will also monitor the traffic movement, develop response plans, monitor cameras at site, and prepare the infrastructure at the selected trial sectors," said Maj-Gen Al Marri.
"Comprehensive traffic management studies in Dubai have been commissioned and a manual for coping with such accidents has been developed. Studies reveal that Dubai experiences about 250,000 vehicle breakdowns and 200 minor traffic incidents each year. According to studies, the TIM scheme will contribute to reducing the clearance time of minor accidents by 35 per cent, cut congestions and associated expenses by 25 per cent, and minimise the rate of secondary traffic accidents."
reporters@khaleejtimes.com


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