Truck drivers not happy with Dh200 million ring road

Trucks banned from plying on internal roads of Fujairah city

By Salah Al Deberky - Reporter

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Published: Thu 2 Apr 2015, 11:08 PM

Last updated: Thu 25 Jun 2015, 11:41 PM

Fujairah — The Traffic and Patrols Department of the Fujairah Police will strictly implement the order that bans trucks plying on the internal roads and streets of Fujairah city following the opening of the Dh200-million Yabsa Bypass Road. The work on the road was executed by the Ministry of Public Works and is designated only for trucks.

The Yabsa Bypass Road designated for trucks in Fujairah. — Supplied photo 

Companies working in the field of transport, quarries and stone-crushing have, however, said the elevation levels of the road make it difficult for truck drivers to control vehicles laden with tonnes of goods. They called on the executing bodies to reconsider the design of the road.

Executives of these companies said trucks drivers had clearly expressed fear over using the road and appealed to the traffic department to allow the trucks to use other roads until a solution that satisfied all parties is reached.

Dr. Colonel Ali Rashid bin Awash Al Yamahi, Director of Traffic and Patrols Department at Fujairah Police, said the remarks of the companies on the road are incorrect since the road was built as per the latest blueprints.

“The Ministry of Public Works has constructed the 14km Yabsa Bypass Road according to international standards.” The problem lies with the excessive load of the trucks, he said, and urged drivers to abide by the permitted weight.

He added that trucks are behind the traffic jam and gridlocks on the Fujairah city roads and streets, and road accidents especially during peak hours. Also, the heavy load leads to damage and erosion of roads resulting in continued maintenance. He said the Traffic and Patrols Department had given a fortnight-long grace period to trucks to use the ring road, and the deadline ended on Sunday.

Hence the department has started enforcing Article 73 of the traffic law against any errant driver which calls for impounding the vehicle for a week, slapping a fine of Dh200 and registering four black points if they are found driving on the main roads.

Yabsa Bypass Road has two lanes in each direction, 11 storm water tunnels and two bridges.

The project also included paving the service lanes, lamp posts and other requirements for ensuring traffic safety such as crash barriers, signboards and signals. The new road is meant to serve trucks from and to Fujairah seaport and the Fujairah Free Zone Authority and is also a short cut.

salah@khaleejtimes.com