UAE | Traffic and Transport
We will reduce traffic in our own way, RTA says
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) defended its decision not to participate in World Carfree Day, saying efforts were ongoing every day to reduce traffic congestion in the UAE.
- By Kevin Scott and Mariam M. Al Serkal Staff, Reporters
- Published: 07:25 September 22, 2008
-
All revved up over World Car-free Day
Drivers in a jam all revved up over World Car-free Day
Dubai: The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) defended its decision not to participate in World Carfree Day, saying efforts were ongoing every day to reduce traffic congestion in the UAE.
Peyman Younes Parham, Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications at the RTA said the organisation had its own mission statement with similar goals to today's worldwide initiative.
"We certainly encourage and support events such as World Car-free Day but we have our own mission statement to reduce traffic levels and preserve the environment," said Parham.
"There are so many events like this happening every year that we can't participate in them all. However, as an organisation we are taking strides on a daily basis including work on an integrated public transportation network.
"It is important to remember the responsibility of the public as well in that each individual person has to understand their obligations," he pointed out.
"We can't force people to stop using their cars. They have to start carpooling or using public transport at their own will."
A senior official at Sharjah Transport said it wouldn't be easy to implement a car free initiative in the emirate of Sharjah, home of some of the country's worst traffic congestion.
He said: "We are in the process of inviting consultants for a master plan of Sharjah with regard to public transportation in general, such as bicycles, taxis, buses and their routes. It is not an easy task to implement in a city like Sharjah that is congested with traffic.
"But the overall concept of implementing a world car free day is good because it creates awareness on the importance of public transport which in turn will help combat traffic congestion."
Share this article
Related Articles
More from UAE Traffic and Transport
More from UAE
Popular in UAE
-
Your pictures
Readers' pictures
A Selection of the best Gulf News reader pictures this week
Latest news
- Free parking for nine days in the capital
- DEWA opening hours during Eid
- Kuwaiti Emir invites Khalifa to Arab summit
- UAE Haj pilgrims safe and well: official
- Briton loses libel case against newspaper
- Activities lined up for Eid holidays in Dubai parks
- Malaysian woman jailed for forging cards
- Schools mark National Day with shows
- Munching on a health hazard
- Wag a tail
- SAT wiz: Top of the class
- Sharjah housemaid packed off
- Managing diabetes: Reason to smile
- Tenants in trouble: 'Mercy please'
- The Metro just got longer
Community Reports
-
Munching on a health hazard
Residents must be careful about consuming snacks and sandwiches prepared along the roadside as they attract dirt and bacteria
-
Faded signage fails to guide visitors
Reader seeks better upkeep of signboards in green areas
-
Noise pollution must be regulated
Residents are finding it difficult to sleep well at night owing to ongoing construction work
-
Protect our children's health
Dust and dirt from a nearby road are causing problems to those frequenting Al Nasseriya park, Sharjah.
