Ministry studies ways to rein in increasing number of vehicles

Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Interior is studying ways to put in place a mechanism to control the increasing number of vehicles registered in the country, a senior ministry official said here yesterday.

After inaugurating a week-long national traffic safety campaign at Abu Dhabi's Marina Mall, Major General Saif Abdullah Al Sha'afar, Undersecretary, Ministry of Interior said the number of registered vehicles, including motorbikes, trucks and buses, has reached 2.5 million so far in the country, and could increase further.

The campaign called "Your Safety - Your Responsibility" is being held by the UAE General Women's Union in cooperation with Arab Traffic Safety Organisation, Arab Women Association, Interior Ministry and the Emirates Traffic Safety Society.

The campaign began with a carnival of school children, women and Abu Dhabi Police Band marching from Hiltonia Beach to Marina Mall where Al Sha'afar opened an exhibition on traffic safety. It was lead by senior officials from Abu Dhabi Police.

Al Sha'afar said currently there are no vehicle age curbs for vehicles' registration renewal in the country. He said as far as vehicles are safe to drive, fit and maintained and pose no threat to the environment, their registration can be renewed no matter how old they are.

However, he added the imposing of vehicle age curbs cannot be ruled out. "The plans also include the possibility of stopping registration of old vehicles in the future."

About revised traffic violation penalties, Al Sha'afar said the amendments were in final stages and the new law will come into force by the end of the year. He said the amendments will soon be referred to the Federal National Council by the Cabinet for its review and approval.

TRAFFIC
Road accidents 'killed 875 last year'

Road accidents in the country have killed 875 people last year, showing an increase of 5.42 per cent in fatalities as compared to 830 deaths in 2005, a report released by the Ministry of Interior said yesterday.

According to the report released yesterday, Dubai topped in road fatalities with 310 deaths last year, followed by Abu Dhabi with 262 deaths and Sharjah with 149. Umm Al Quwain witnessed the least road fatalities with 26 deaths.

Have your say
Do you think old vehicles should be phased out ot ease traffic congestion? Vehicles of what age should be phased out? Tell us at letter2editor@gulfnews.com or fill in the form below to send your comments.

I suspect trucks are a major problem. There are too many poorly maintained ones out there. If the UAE requires trucks to meet Western standards then it would be a big improvement in safety and congestion.
John
Sharjah,UAE

I believe that stopping the registration of old vehicles (25 years old and above) can help ease traffic congestion. Many of these old cars are not in good condition to ply the roads.
Dave
Dubai,UAE

Phasing out old vehicles will not solve the traffic problem. More frequent and cheap public transportation is the solution. Also bridges or subways for pedestrian crossing can help.
Felix
Dubai,UAE

I suggest that old vehicles must be phased out. The minimum age limit for driving license issuance must also be increased. There should also be an age limit of 55 for all drivers.
Sunil
Dubai,UAE

I suggest the age limit must be raised for those who want to obtain a license to drive. Mature professionals must be prioritised over young people (like college students).
Mechur
Dubai,UAE

This is partly due to banks giving out easy car loans. Almost anyone can buy a vehicle nowadays with extremely low interest rates. The issue is the same with companies where a car is considered a piece of office furniture. Can't middle managers travel in a shuttle bus together?
Ali
Dubai,UAE