New speed limits in Abu Dhabi next month

Abu Dhabi - Signages showing the new speed limits were installed last February.

From August 12, blue colour plastic that covers speed signboards in Abu Dhabi will be removed and new speed limits will come into effect.
Accordingly, speed limit on city roads will be raised from 60kmph to 80kmph and on highways from 120kmph to 140kmph. However, the Abu Dhabi Police have removed the 20kmph speed limit buffer allowed to motorists. This means once a motorist hits 81kmph on a 80kmph limit road, the radar will set off resulting in a fine.
Major-General Mohammed Khalfan Al Romaithi, Commander-in-Chief of the Abu Dhabi Police, said the decision on new speed limit and removal of speed buffer would ensure safety on road for all.
It was in February that the new but covered signboards appeared on top of the existing speed limit boards. And by August 12, the new speed limits will be unveiled. Motorists have welcomed the move and said it will make roads safer.
Jasim Zafar, a marketing executive, said the new rules will help streamline traffic. "People are impatient and always on a rush. The raising of speed limit by 20kmph and removal of buffer limit with penalty will help stabilise things on road. People need to start early for work to avoid speeding on road," he said.
Krilosh Panicker, an avid traveler, said such a move will help cap road accidents. "I hear about accidents happening with frightening regularity. This step from the police will make people think twice before speeding, which is a root cause of all accidents," Panicker said.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Abu Dhabi