UAE | Traffic and Transport

Speeding in Al Ain drops sharply due to black point system

A statistical review has shown a reduction of 76.7 per cent in speeding cases here following the introduction of the black point system under the new federal traffic laws.

  • By Aftab Kazmi, Bureau Chief
  • Published: 23:41 June 29, 2008
  • Gulf News

Al Ain: A statistical review has shown a reduction of 76.7 per cent in speeding cases here following the introduction of the black point system under the new federal traffic laws.

Police said the system also helped reduce other traffic violations since March 1, when the new law came into effect.

Lt Col Mohammad Khalifa Al Khaili, Head of Al Ain Traffic Police and Patrols Section, said drivers have become more attentive and cautious on the city's roads. Cases of serious traffic violations have declined and the roads are safer, he said.

The unified traffic laws not only stipulate cash fines, but drivers who commit violations also accumulate black points that can lead to temporary confiscation of their driving licence.

He said a total of 420 tickets were issued for speeding in March and April. In January and February, before the new law was introduced, 3,186 speeding tickets were issued.

The offence of jumping red lights has also decreased, as the police intercepted 72 violators compared with a previous 125.

"This shows a reduction of 26 per cent in these violations," he said.

The police also noticed a 24 per cent drop in cases of reckless driving. In January and February, said Lt Col Al Khaili, the police intercepted 77 drivers posing a danger to themselves and other road users. The number dropped to 47 in the next two months.

Similarly, a 21.5 per cent fall has been registered in total parking violations. People were earlier more careless in parking their vehicles in prohibited places, but the new law has made them more disciplined. The city's traffic police chief said 1,069 tickets were issued in March and April in this category. In the previous two months 1,656 drivers were fined.

The total traffic violations for the entry of heavy vehicles to prohibited roads and places in the months of January and February were 389. This number went down to 196, showing a reduction of 33 per cent.

"This is how we can avoid traffic accidents and reduce deaths and injuries caused by traffic accidents," said Lt Col Al Khaili.

Death by injury, mostly because of traffic accidents, is one of the top three killers in the city.

Do you think the stricter regulations, have made a difference on the standards of driving? Which is the one violation that has reduced significantly according to you? Tell us at letter2editor@gulfnews.com or fill in the form bellow to send your comments.

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