UAE | Traffic and Transport
Abu Dhabi police issue guide to safe travel
Carry proper documents and avoid being stopped at border checkpost, say police.
- By Binsal Abdul Kader, Staff Reporter
- Published: 13:47 June 1, 2008
Abu Dhabi: Make sure that a cheque issued by you even for a small amount does not bounce, before you travel outside the country during the summer vacation, warned the Traffic Department of Abu Dhabi Police.
"Some residents were surprised at being stopped by the authorities at the airports and border checkpoints while travelling to neighbouring countries with their families because they were wanted by the police," a senior Traffic Department official told Gulf News on the sidelines of a press conference at General Headquarters of Abu Dhabi Police on Sunday to announce a safety awareness campaign on travel during summer.
"You may forget about a bounced cheque for a small amount or a minor economic offence, which was not followed up by you with the authorities to clear the charges against you," said Major Nasser Khadim Al Ka'abi, director of public relations and mass media administration at the Traffic Department. To avoid such a situation, make sure that all passengers with you, including the driver, if you travel by road, are not wanted by police even for a minor offence, said Al Ka'abi.
Some people are surprised to find out at the border that they are not authorised to use a rented car, or vehicles owned by their company, boss or friends without proper authorisation letters.
"If you are driving a car owned by somebody else you must keep an authorisation letter from the owner with you," said Al Ka'abi.
The campaign titled 'Have a safe trip' has been launched by Abu Dhabi Police to create awareness among travellers who go to neighbouring countries during summer vacations.
The campaign aims to reduce road accidents, which is one of the strategic objectives initiated by Lt Gen Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Interior. It will continue till June 25 through media and pamphlets in different languages, which will be kept at various public places.
Brigadier Gareeb Al Housani, director of airports and border point security affairs, Abu Dhabi Police, stressed the need to be aware of the security measures to be taken while travelling abroad, and secure property and other valuables in their absence.
Colonel Hamad Aadeel Al Shamsi, Director of Traffic and Patrols Department, said traffic patrols will be on duty round the clock.
Tips: Secure summer vacation
- Make sure there are no criminal cases, like bounced cheques or even a minor economic offence, against you or you may be stopped at the airport or border security points.
- Keep an authorisation letter from the owner of the car you are driving if you are using a borrowed car.
- Keep the height of the luggage over the car up to 60cm.
- Have safety seats for children below three years.
- Secure your house while you are away and do not keep valuables and important documents there.
- Make sure travel documents are valid and keep the telephone number of your country's embassy while abroad.
Figures at Al Guweifat checkpoint, on Abu Dhabi border with Saudi Arabia:
- About 6,000 cars a day cross (enter and exit) during summer every year (June till August).
- 726,245 cars entered the country and 815,081 exited in 2007.
- 1,399,722 people entered the country and 1,379,750 exited in 2007.
Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Police traffic department on Sunday issued guidelines for safe travel during the summer months.
This summer, the traffic department expects more than the average 6,000 vehicles to pass the Al Ghuwaifat border between Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia.
The guidelines for those exiting Abu Dhabi through the border require the following:
- Overhead luggage carried on top of cars does not exceed 60 centimetres in height
- Prior permission from the traffic department must be obtained by those who want to attach carts to the back of their vehicles
- Safety chairs for children below the age of 3 are a must
- Passengers should carry documents about the vehicle and personal identity documents.
What precautions do you take when you go on vacation? How has it made your travels safer? Tell us at letter2editor@gulfnews.com or fill in the form below to send your comments.
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