Dubai: Motorists are not mandated to follow the speed limits displayed on electronic information boards that the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has put up on Dubai roads, a senior official has said.
However, he added that, to be on the safer side, it is advisable for motorists to follow the speed displayed on boards as they are ideal for the situation.
“The speed limits displayed on the traditional road signs are the regulatory limits and violating those will incur fine, however, the speeds displayed on electronic boards or Intelligent Traffic Signs (ITS) are only advisable. Those speeds vary depending on the situation,” said Hussain Al Banna, Director of Traffic at RTA’s Traffic and Roads Agency.
The comment comes following questions raised by motorists about the confusion caused by different speed signs.
Al Banna added that speed displayed on ITS is the ideal speed for a given situation, which depends on traffic, weather condition etc. However, he informed that nobody will be fined for violating the ITS speed.
Some motorists said they found the ITS speed displays confusing. “I’ve come across these signs, I didn’t know what’s going on, which one is ‘correct’?” said Indian motorist Chetan Vora.
“I can see how this can cause some misunderstanding for motorists unfamiliar with Dubai roads.”
Another motorist, 28-year-old Mohammad Atif, added: “This used to confuse me at first, but I now know that these (ITS) speeds are flexible. They vary according to traffic and road conditions. Once I even saw a 60km/h (ITS) sign on Shaikh Zayed Road [a 100km/h road]. I knew it was because of some trouble ahead.”
However, other motorists, especially those employed as professional drivers, appear to be well informed about the situation.
“I know these speeds are temporary. I’ve been driving for 15 years without a single black point or speed violation. This is not confusing at all,” said a Pakistani company driver Faruq Khan.
Another driver, who did not provide his name, added: “Some motorists don’t understand the signage system, but then again some motorists shouldn’t be on the road.”
Al Banna also clarified that the motorists will continue to get a grace limit of 20km/h on speed limits.
“It is federally agreed that there will be a grace speed limit of 20km/h which is on top of the speed limit displayed on roads. For example of the speed limit displayed on road is 100 a motorist can go up to 120, he will get a fine if he exceeds,” informed Al Banna, adding that there is no plan to change the speed limits.
RTA has installed dozens of Intelligent traffic signs across the highways in Dubai that give motorists information on traffic situation, safety messages as well as weather information.
