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RTA sets guidelines to streamline abra service
DUBAI -The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has introduced a code of guidelines, including violations and fines, to streamline operation of abras in the Dubai Creek, according to Eissa Al Dosari, CEO of the Marine Agency, RTA.
- PUBLISHED: Sun 20 May 2007, 8:36 AM UPDATED: Fri 3 Nov 2023, 9:21 AM
He said that fines ranging from Dh100 to Dh500 in addition to some deterrent penalties would be imposed on operators of abras at Dubai Creek for various violations of laws.
The marine agency reported 98 violations until April this year against abra operators registering an increase of 18 violations compared to the figures in the same period in 2006.
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Al Dosari said that violations during the past four months fell under eight categories. "Parking abras in places other than the specified slots accounted for 42 violations; prescribed load violations 33 and non-provision of safety belts eight violations," he said.
Others included higher fares four violations, reckless driving three violations and failure to present abra driving licence, non-adherence to the prescribed route and disruption of traffic and navigation received two violations each.
Al Dosari said that all 300 abra operators working on a two-shift basis were required to follow the code of conduct except for the Route 2 operators who work round-the-clock.
"Fines range from Dh100 to Dh500 and fall under 29 categories that include operating unlicensed abras (Dh500 penalty with impounding of the abra), using the abra for purposes other than those for which it has been licensed (Dh500 fine and offender is suspended) and driving the abra without a driving licence or under the influence of alcoholic drink or any narcotics (Dh500 fine for both violations)," Al Dosari noted.
He also said that the amount of fine varied depending on the gravity of the offence. "Emission of black smoke from the abra engine carries a fine of Dh300. Disrupting the traffic, violating the prescribed load, fishing with abras in the Creek, operating without lights at night and non-availability of life belts, fire extinguishers, handheld lights and first aid kit carry a fine of Dh200. Removing specifications/equipment or making additions to abras without licence is also attract a Dh200 fine," he added.
Al Dosari said: "Fines and violations classified for medium violations include reckless driving, negligent and inattentive driving and non-compliance with the prescribed speed limits in the Creek. Each of this violation attracts a Dh150 fine."
A Dh100 fine is imposed for modifying or operating an abra without a number, driving without a valid driving licence or with expired ownership documents and failure to present the driving licence or ownership document on demand. Same penality is for non-adherence to the prescribed route between stations, allowing commuters to board or get down on locations other than the specified ones, failure to navigate and park abras at the station, failure to comply with the berthing spots during day or night time. Failure to maintain or clean the abra, higher fares, collecting fares from commuters during voyage, owner sitting in an insecure manner during the trip, loading dangerous or explosive materials and failure to take necessary precautions to ensure safety of navigation traffic at the time of defect or stopping and overnight sleeping in the abras will also attract a Dh100 fine.
"The Marine Agency is the competent authority to orders these penalties and issues violation tickets through the Operation and Performance Department," said Al Dosari.
He said that such violations were not reported randomly but in accordance with well defined laws and regulations. "These matters are being handled in specialised training courses in consultation with the Dubai Civil Defence," he added.