Dubai: With the fast development in the UAE, the road network is constantly being upgraded and new arteries or roads are being constructed in the different emirates.
However, according to Gulf News readers, some of the older roads are being neglected and the road markings have faded, causing confusion among motorists.
Shahzaib Arshad, a project manager based in Sharjah, says he’s faced the situation on many roads in Sharjah and Ajman.
He said: “I drive on a daily basis and have come across some roads where the markings are faded. In the Sharjah Industrial Area, at one point the road merges from three lanes to two, and it becomes difficult to know where the lane ends, especially during the rush hour, because the markings are completely faded."
Morever, he said that the roundabout leading to Ajman’s Al Nuaimia area is a mess. "There are no lanes at all. It’s so difficult to keep your car in the correct lane, which is invisible, while heavy vehicles are driving next to your car and making turns. There is no way to know where your lane ends and the other motorist’s begins.”
Arshad says he’s witnessed a few accidents in the above mentioned areas due to this reason.
He said: “The funny thing is, no one knows who’s mistaken since according to both drivers, they were in their own invisible lanes. I’ve gotten used to it, because I drive through these areas so often. But, it becomes an issue for new drivers or motorists visiting from other emirates.”
Some other areas that Arshad pointed out were Halwan area, Rolla area and Al Ghafiya area in Sharjah and Ajman’s Al Rashidiya area.
Mohammad Rizwan Ali, another Sharjah resident, complained about the same areas.
He said: “I have been experiencing this issue in both Sharjah and Ajman, especially the Industrial Areas of Sharjah. Another problem I have come across in Sharjah is the lack of proper signboards for directions, which has also caused confusion for many. I drive through these emirates on a regular basis and I’ve had many confusing episodes due to the lack of road markings. I sometimes forget to keep in my lane, which even resulted in an accident once. It was a bad experience and I’ve also witnessed some accidents because of the same reason. The markings need to be repainted so that such incidents can be avoided in the future.”
Mohsin Khan, a Sharjah resident, agreed.
He said: “The lane markings are the worst in Sharjah. In some areas, the authorities have painted new markings, as the old ones have become dull and now the motorists are getting mixed up between the two. This is very confusing as we don’t know which lane is the right one. I’ve avoided accidents just at the last moment several times because of this confusion.”
Nithya Venkatesan, an Abu Dhabi resident, is unhappy with the road condition on the intersection between Abu Dhabi’s Al Falah Street, and 4th Street.
She said: “As we approach the signal on Al Falah Street, the markings are not at all visible, which leads to a sudden confusion for motorists as they wonder what lane they should be in. I drive by this intersection regularly and so does my husband. He has also complained about the same issue several times.”
Venkatesan is grateful that so far she hasn’t witnessed any accidents that are caused due to this confusion.
She said: “I suggest that the lane markings be made slightly brighter, not just in this area but on all roads, so that they are clear and easy for motorists to spot. This will avoid any accidents.”
Iqbal Mohammad, another Abu Dhabi resident, agreed.
He said: “In some areas of Abu Dhabi there is a very confusing lane system. Motorists are not sure whether they’re in the correct lane or not. This problem persist especially on the older roads, such as opposite the World Trade Center Abu Dhabi.”
Some of the areas the Mohammad mentioned were the road near the old post office in Al Dhafrah area and 10th Street in the Tourist Club Area.
Kamal Pasha Dadras, a Dubai resident, posted a comment on the Gulf News Facebook page highlighting Dubai’s Al Quoz as a problem area.
Romana Noor, another Facebook user based in Dubai, agreed with him.
She said: “There are a few roads in Dubai, such as in Al Quoz, that have this issue. I feel confused while driving there.”
Many Facebook users commented on the bad situation of roads in Ras Al Khaimah. M. Jilad Ahmed was one of them.
He posted: “In Ras Al Khaimah, there are many roads with no markings and this is dangerous.”
Nasir Khan, another Facebook user based in Ras Al Khaimah, posted: “Most of the main roads in Ras Al Khaimah have this problem. The roads are quite old and thus the markings are faded.”
