RTA to revise speed limits on Dubai roads: official

Added 14:59 August 11, 2010

For those who vote for more strict radar settings an other "procecutive" measuers. You will be the first victims of that measures, paying more fines, however not enjoying more traffic safety. Dont choose "easy ways" Life is more complicated. Generally speaking, compared to many other mega-cities, Dubai traffic is in a very good shape, both in terms of driving culture and in terms of quality and quantity of the roads and interchanges. This is the merit of RTA. I am not a big fan of that authority (recently paid a BULK of cash for my inattention), however I accept and appreciate the EFFORT this office inputs into traffic organization and road constructions. As for the speed limits, they shouldn't be HIGH or LOW, they should be ADEQUATE to certain road quality and traffic conditions. Perhaps, abnormally slow drivers crawling around and changind line ahead of a car cruising at allowed speed cause even more hazard than the "F1 Pilots". To be more specific, I find that Business bay crossing road speed limit 100 km/h is not adequate to the thaffic and high quality of the road. Normal speed at that part is 120 and majority of drivers actually do 120, causing hazards with those who keep 100. I understand there are particular reasons for that speed limit (100 km/h) however real picture is quite different, and this factor cannot be neglected. I whish you all safe drive.

Alex, Dubai, Russian Federation

Added 14:02 August 11, 2010

Suggestion : Implement this simple rule. You are supposed to drive in the right most lane which is free. This will push the slow moving traffic to the right lanes freeing one or more fast lanes resulting in smooth traffic for every body.

Jojo, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 13:44 August 11, 2010

The biggest road problem is not the value of the speed limit, but rather is the fact that values change on same stretches of roads (incl. sheikh zayed road, where the highway changes speed limits multiple times before Ibn Battuta and after World Trade Center) - which is very dangerous for drivers as they do not necessarily adjust their speed accordingly - causing speeding, confusion, and often leading to crashes. I believe speed limits should be revised and standardized across the city. These are reasonable speed limits: multi-lane highway driving at 100 to 110kph; regional roads (roads in urban and suburban ares) at 60 to 75 kph; residential streets at 40 to 55 kph and school zones 20 - 30 kph (during school hours). A 10km/h tolerance level for highway speeds and 5kph tolerance for other roads when it comes to radars. If there are roadworks nearby - a CLEARLY INDICATED reduction of 20kph of the regular speed limit should be in order. With this regularity and fair speeds - accidents on Dubai roads should decrease. I hope the RTA takes into consideration my thoughts.

Malik Chabou, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 13:38 August 11, 2010

As someone told here. Speed limit should be precise. If it is 100 then fix cameras for 102 and that is it. Not that limit is 100 but it is allowed to drive 120. Another thing - different lines for different vehicles and speed limits - 3 lines on shaikh zayed from left without busses, mini busses, tracks and pickups. Also if you are driving 80 km/h it should be accepted on 3rd line only. People block left lines and generate traffic driving 80-90 and talking by phone in the same time.

Anonymous, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 13:31 August 11, 2010

I appreciate the efforts of RTA, but i feel there is something basically incorrect on speed limits. having traveled to so many countries a mentioned speed limit is the real limit, but here at UAE in Abu Dhabi on particular road 120 KMPH mean 160 KMPH and in dubai on certain roads it means 140 KMPH, a mentioned speed limit is what it must be, why tolerence?

Anonymous, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 13:27 August 11, 2010

Speed limits are not the only solution to reduce the accidents. The main reason for accidents are those who flashes lights and sticks to the back side of the car without leaving a space between cars until the car in front is moved to other lane. Flashing light is confusing the driver and causes accident as well.

Wafa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 13:20 August 11, 2010

Dubai must introduce lane based speed limits we have people in first and second lane driving on 70kmh on120kmh road forcesing other drivers to overtake from right which can be very dangerous. Setting minimum speed limit hasnt changed much since the difference in minimum and maximum is huge.

Anonymous, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 13:04 August 11, 2010

It's not the speed limits that are causing the horrific accidents. It's the reckless driving and lack of respect for other cars on the road. I'm talking about driving too close, cutting-off, wild lane changing, no lane discipline, last-minute dash to an exit, etc... Drivers here just think they own the road. If drivers were mindful and respectful of others, then current speed limits would not be an issue. Driving safe is not just about not speeding.

Anonymous, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 13:03 August 11, 2010

I just hope that when they are changed it gets announced properly instead of all of a sudden getting flashed and fined for speeding for 600-800 dhs per fine. Sign-age and indicators should be put on the road and then implementation starts

Anonymous, Abu Dahbi, United Arab Emirates

Added 12:44 August 11, 2010

Excellent move by RTA. Most of the drivers are either confused or unaware about the extra 20% speed allowed, I suggest that the speed limit should be limited to what appears on the sign board or extra 5Km/Hr maximum. Rather that reaching places, reaching destination SAFELY is more important. I am a regular user of all roads in Dubai. Some times in the evening on Al Khail road (not sure of mornings) you can see the busses carrying labors use the first line, which I learned that they do this as part of racing. It seems that we forgot the racing accident happened couple of years ago on Shaik Zayed Road. RTA should keep an eye on these racers or another fatal one is awaiting Dubai. On the other hand, first line users on Al Khail road has to be taught how to drive, they approach you like suicide squads with their vehicle filled with explosives, some of them don’t even have the tail light’s working and no side indicators when changing lines, they only have their head lights working. Instead of placing more cameras, RTA should build watch towers and monitor the road users from distance.

Shibu, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 12:38 August 11, 2010

Highly appreciate of proposal hope will reasonable for all of us. also should consider about people who drive in 1st truck and NEVER give way for fast driver. and Lane crossing These should highly consider for implement. And STOP vehicle in MIDDLE of the road and talking to someone or waiting for tea from Restaurants.. These are irritating others. Dubai government working hard to keep it stands all over the world WE all should support for that

Anonymous, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 12:23 August 11, 2010

May I suggest to strictly enforce punishment/fines for those engaged in telephone while on the road, especially on the main & busy road & big round abouts where reckless drivers change their lanes as they like.

Anonymous, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 12:19 August 11, 2010

The city of Dubai has expanded towards jebel ali and its only wise to control the speed at the start point coming from abu dhabi. SZR speed is very high should be brought down to 80kmh

Shaikh Shakeel, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 12:09 August 11, 2010

Yes I am absolutely in favour of speed limit because that is the only cause of accidents. Being a residence of dubai I always follow the speed limit.

Fazale Rabbi, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 12:06 August 11, 2010

Whilst reducing the speed limits is a very worthwhile exercise, it is going to have less effect whilst the driving standards in this country are so poor. If you take Germany as an example, there are no speed limits on the autobahn, yet they have significantly less accidents. Why? Well, a number of reasons, but the main one in my opinion is disgracefully poor lane management. Everyday, I watch people weaving in and out of lanes, tailgating, talking on the phone, texting and eating etc. I have even seen people on the Sheik Zayed Road reading the newspaper as they drive! This is not a rare occurrence. It happens daily. If the police and the RTA are serious about cutting road accidents then they must address this immediately. Otherwise, fatalities will still occur on a regular basis. And whilst we are on the subject of road safety, I cannot believe the number of cars I see driving with one (or sometimes none) brake lights. Or how about driving around with full headlights on, plus fog lights? All of these things lead to accidents. Whilst reducing the speed limits is all very well and good, these other issues must be addressed if the authorities are serious about reducing road accidents.

Anonymous, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 12:04 August 11, 2010

The problem in the UAE are not the speed limits but the driving standards. Instead of revising speed limits, start pulling people over and fine those who hug bumpers, drive in the left lane doing 80 instead of 120, pass on the right side, change direction without using indicators etc. etc. Nothing is done about that. Revising speed limits down to 60 or 40km is not going to help on roads designed for and inviting to speeds of 80, 100 or higher.

Anonymous, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 11:58 August 11, 2010

Speed Kills thats the botttom line... its not only reckless drivers, its sometimes about the condition of the vehicle's brakes, tyres etc that also contribute to accidents as we all know, and at high speeds controlling a vehicle in such a situation is near impossible. Reducing speed limits is a very good move by the RTA . There is no need for civillians to drive around at break-neck speeds, it may take an hour or two more to get to a really far off destination however, its better to get there in one piece than not at all. It may be hard for those used leaving at the last moment and travelling at high speeds to reach someplace, to have to give it up, however if nothing is done about the speed limits on the u.a.e. roads the fatalities will just keep rising and as long as it does not happen to a loved one is just a news article thats read and forgotten. So this move by the RTA should be applauded, and as for those who think that reducing the speed limit is of no use; they should think again as prevention is better than cure.

Jennifer G, Deira, United Arab Emirates

Added 11:51 August 11, 2010

Speed Reduction or Revised Speed Limits is not enough alone. I am driving on the roads of UAE since 1992 and to me, speeding alone is not the actual cause of serious accidents... even Radars on several roads causes panic among some drivers who suddenly push on breaks without realising the vehicles behind them.. I have MANY suggestions to submit to RTA, in fact i have done this in past but i got NO response. In my opinion there is a lot of awareness and strict guidelines to be given to the people apart from just Speed Limits. Some people do not keep distance, some do not give way to the traffic from behind, some like to drive much slower than the speed limit causing frustration and leading that to aggresive bahaviours that causes accidents...

Umair, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 11:48 August 11, 2010

RTA initiative is remarkable but it is one's responsibility to drive carefully within the speed limits & follow proper track. Who knows because of carless driving one precious life is lost who is only source of income for his family.

Abid hussain Baig, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 11:38 August 11, 2010

Firstly 80% of people don’t know the meaning of Highways (motorway). People don’t respect the lane discipline and purpose of having multiple tracks. Like Fast lane 100km, 2nd lane 80km, 60km and so on...having amazing roads, directions, radars, patrol radars will not change the attitude. Individual should think how they drive and give place to others. Show respect to others. Especially mobile phone while driving diverts your attention. With a study, many people think of their personal problems while driving which is another reason of big failure. And last is patience. Keep it up!

Haroon, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 11:15 August 11, 2010

Lowering the speed limit is not the solution. They are already too low on some roads! The biggest problem is people who drive too slow on the fast lane, angering other motorists who want to drive AT the speed limit. The other problem, as some people have said already, are reckless drivers who will swerve between lanes and cars regardless of the speed limit. They are usually young drivers who feel they are invincible and better drivers than schumacher. Don't lower the speed limit, raise the minimum driving age, improve education of new drivers, fine people who drive slow on the fast lane (in addition to fast drivers on the slow lanes)

Anonymous, dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 11:13 August 11, 2010

for me its not about the speed its the driver it self i think the driving habit of the people her in U.A.E is the main resson why in some country like germany theres no accedent that we have her there are no speed lemit but less accedent and i belive that to have a safer road start from a safe driver

Anonymous, dabai, United Arab Emirates

Added 11:00 August 11, 2010

More than revisiting the speed limits on the road, I believe majority of the accidents are caused by rash driving. Another casue is because people are driving in the wrong lanes. Vehicles overtake from the wrong lanes and people drive at snails pace in the overtaking lanes. Unless a strict desciplined driving rule in enforced and violaters are fined, things are difficult to change

Gavin Rebello, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 10:51 August 11, 2010

Breaking the traffic rules are limited to some reckless drivers only. some people only cross the limit and cause the accidents. Reducing the speed limit will not stop these reckless drivers to reduce their speeds.

Anjan, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 10:43 August 11, 2010

speed limits for different roads and tracks must be defined so that fast drivers can use those roads or tracks to fulfill their need without causing any loss to themselves or any other commuters.

Naresh, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 10:35 August 11, 2010

This is an absolute necessity for a busy city like Dubai and I appreciate RTA for taking this bold step. As you can see any accidents on Dubai highways there will be pile up of 6-7 vehicles, which itself is a proof of such mechanism required.

Omprakash, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 10:34 August 11, 2010

What about decent education in driving schools ? Or maybe uniformed rules on the road ? Changing numbers on signs won't change anything.

Anonymous, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 10:28 August 11, 2010

The speed limits in Dubai are higher when compared to places in the United states. the 120 km/hr limit seems to be causing a big problem.

Anonymous, Boston, United States

Added 10:25 August 11, 2010

I don't think revising the speed limits is going to change the situation. The problem is that reckless drivers just DON'T RESPECT THE SPEED LIMITS, WHATEVER THEY ARE. In my opinion is more about ENFORCING them by taking harsher measures like impounding the cars of the reckless drivers, cancelling their drivers' licenses, etc. rather than revising the speed limits. So you change it from 120km/h to 100km/h... who cares, as long as there's no one watching and these reckless drivers got lots of cash in their pocket to pay the fines (if they do get fined indeed!) and they still have a fast car and a license to get back on the road tomorrow! Cars and driving licenses must be impounded. That is the only way Dubai will have decent driving standards, where following the rules and sticking to the speed limits is the rule rather than the exception, and you don't get flashed and tailgated for doing 60km/h on a 60km/h road....

Anonymous, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 10:24 August 11, 2010

hi its alredy 120 nt much on higways if they limit on 120 also so we cannot reach our home @ tym thre whre such a careless drivers who speeding their vehicals and they lost thre lives so keep more cameras to catch the speeding cars dnt limit the 120 speed thanks ......

Ammar, Dubai, Sri Lanka

Added 10:03 August 11, 2010

That's great step taken by RTA thinking to revise the speed limits of raods... I suggest the standard speed should be 120 on highways such by bass, emirates road, al khail, shaikh zayed...... should be fixed 120 and no confusion about extra allowed.. others all roads should be 80 that's also fixed... on all link roads and within city... in populated area speed breaker should be there... thanks RTA for launching Speed Management Strategy Project. Hope will have a great study and ideas to implement.

Anonymous, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 09:10 August 11, 2010

The current speed limits are really ok. The problem is compliance and enforcement. Drivers are not afraid of being caught or of the penalties if they are caught. So what you have is widespread contempt for the law and the consequent arrogant selfish and often outright murderous behaviour of uncontrolled drivers. A mixture of continual long term education, strict enforcement and penalties that are fierce and IMMEDIATELY enforced. That is, fines should be paid either on the spot or within 48 hours NOT in a year or two when the motorist gets round to it or it is just a payment not a penalty. If an offence is bad enough the car should be confiscated, the driver stripped of his/her licence and required to retake a test before returning to the road.

Martin, Dubai, United Arab Emirates