Dh600 fine waiting for you on these Dubai roads

The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that it would start the implementation of Phase II of the Dedicated Lane for RTA Buses and Taxis Project, covering Al Mamzar and Al Ghubaiba Roads by the end of September 2016.

However, no fines will be collected during a grace period extending up to October 30, 2016, in order to make motorists well aware of the system. After this date, the fines system would be activated.

It is noteworthy that the implementation of Phase I of the project on Naif Road indicated that the compliance of private vehicles amounted to 88 per cent, and the speed of buses has increased by 20 per cent, which translated into improved smooth traffic flow of RTA public transit means.

Abdullah Yousef Al Ali, CEO of RTA's Public Transport Agency said: "RTA is embarking on Phase II of the Dedicated Bus and Taxi Lane Project following the successful completion of the initial phase on Naif Road where compliance rate reached 88%. The actual implementation of Phase I started on April 1, 2015, which provided for a fine of Dh600 against violators. For this reason, RTA had installed seven surveillance cameras along the dedicated lane to monitor offenders. Offences are reported either automatically through these cameras, or manually through Dubai Police patrols. If the motorist is fined twice (automatically and manually) for the same offence, only one fine will be collected.

"To ensure the smooth flow of other vehicles, RTA had allocated a 20-meter grace distance nearby exits, turns, and loading/drop off areas in order to enable those motorists turn to exit the dedicated lane. Order No (1) for 2010 regarding the use of dedicated lanes in the Emirate of Dubai has specified vehicles allowed to use dedicated lanes namely: public buses, taxis, Dubai Police vehicles, Civil Defence vehicles, and ambulance vehicles on duty. Other private vehicles would only be allowed to use the dedicated lane when entering or exiting subsidiary roads," explained Al Ali.

"The ultimate objective of implementing the dedicated bus and taxi lane system (Al Masar) is to raise the share of public transit modes in the mobility of people in Dubai, reduce traffic congestions and improve the on-time arrival of public buses and taxis. The system also aims to contribute to reducing the direct and indirect operational costs of transport means, and curbing carbon emissions polluting the environment," added the CEO of RTA's Public Transport Agency.