UAE | Crime

Dubai Police issue more than 272,979 traffic fines in February

Police reported more than 270,000 traffic offences in February with an average of 9,400 per day.

  • By Alia Al Theeb, Staff Reporter
  • Published: 14:38 March 4, 2008
  • Gulf News

Dubai: Police reported more than 270,000 traffic offences in February with an average of 9,400 per day.

The Dubai Police Traffic Department reported a noticeable increase in the number of offences compared to January of this year, a sign that motorists are not abiding by traffic rules.

Brigadier Mohammad Saif Al Zafein, Director of Dubai Police's Traffic Department, said authorities have put strict punishments in place against traffic offenders.

The punishments do not aim at making money, but alert offenders to the danger of committing traffic offences. He said traffic departments in the country are working hard to spread awareness among motorists through booklets and campaigns.

Brigadier Al Zafein said traffic citations issued by the department in February increased from 199,510 in January to 272,979 in February.

Efforts

He said on the spot citations amounted to 42,099, while in absentia offences amounted to 230,880.

Brigadier Al Zafein emphasised that the department issues on the spot fines to alert offenders to their mistakes instantly.

He said changes in the recent traffic law and the black points system will contribute strongly to reducing road accidents. He said traffic patrols and policemen issued large numbers of citations last month.

"We will double our efforts in the coming phase to ensure safety for road users," Brigadier Al Zafein said.

The traffic department also confiscated 4,724 vehicles in February for committing dangerous traffic offences.

Lieutenant Colonel Saif Al Mazroui, Acting Deputy Director of the traffic department, said speeding topped the list of offences reported last month.

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