UAE | Traffic and Transport

Traffic congestion intensifies in the UAE on World Car-free Day

Motorists across the emirates on Monday continued to face misery from traffic jams and congestion - despite the fact that it was World Car-free Day.

  • By Alice Johnson, Staff Reporter
  • Published: 13:38 September 22, 2008
  • Gulf News

  • Shaikh Zayed Road was congested during rush-hour traffic, Abu Dhabi-bound, while a motorbike accident on Dubai's Rigga Road caused further jams.
  • Image Credit: Gulf News

Dubai: Motorists across the emirates on Monday continued to face misery from traffic jams and congestion - despite the fact that it was World Car-free Day.

The usual morning jams were experienced on Shaikh Zayed Road towards Abu Dhabi, while Al Ittihad Road leading into Dubai from Sharjah was also congested, and motorists were stuck during lunchtime in the Shindagha Tunnel towards Deira.

Video: GNTV asks drivers if they would give up their cars for a day

An early-morning motorcycle accident on Dubai's Rigga Road and damaged signals on Al Barsha Road also slowed traffic down.

World Car-free Day was celebrated yesterday around the world (including the US, Brazil, Australia, India and European countries), although UAE residents were not given the chance to participate, Gulf News reported on Sunday.

Dubai residents told Gulf News that public transport options are lacking, and that it was too hot to wait for a bus or taxi outside.

The Roads and Transport Authority defended its decision not to participate, saying that daily efforts were ongoing to reduce congestion in the UAE.

Dubai Traffic Control Centre said motorists rushing to buy food for iftar contribute to jams during Ramadan. The traffic situation is becoming worse on Al Wasl Road, for example, because of cars dodging the newly-installed Salik toll gate, and evening traffic is likely to be heavy around Garhoud Bridge to Cargo Village and Shaikh Zayed Road from Abu Dhabi towards Dubai.

- With inputs from Kevin Scott/Staff Reporter

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