Ajman: Petrol stations, cafes and restaurants in Ajman with glass window fronts are now going to be obliged to install steel barriers, as part of a new strict measure enforced by Ajman Police.
Ajman Police announced on Wednesday that it has implemented preventive measures to curb accidents in which vehicles crash into the glass windows of buildings.
The measure aims to curb crashes into glass windows of buildings, which can be caused by drivers suffering from severe medical conditions that can impair their concentration or control over a vehicle.
Brigadier Shaikh Sultan Bin Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Ajman Police Chief, indicated that precautionary and preventive measures have already been implemented in coordination with the Traffic and Patrol Department and the Municipality and Planning Department.
Brig Al Nuaimi said that a joint traffic committee was set up from the two departments in order to obligate petrol stations, cafes and restaurants with glass window fronts to install steel fences in front of such windows, as per the rules for permits of new buildings.
The announcement follows an accident that occurred in Ajman on Sunday night, when a man lost control of his vehicle after suffering an epileptic seizure. Two were killed and five were injured, including children.
Residents in the UAE welcomed the new move by Ajman Police, saying the preventive measure of installing steel barriers in front of places with glass window fronts should be implemented across the UAE.
“I think the Ajman Police took the right step to enforce such measures. I believe every place in the UAE should install these barriers to prevent accidents from happening and loss of lives. I’ve seen a few places like certain petrol stations, who have installed them, but more places should follow,” said Yousuf Esmail, a Syrian resident.
Another resident, Dr Vishwas Chhabra from India, said everything implemented for the safety of people is good. “The police are well aware of what is needed. The steel barriers will also make it more comfortable for people who are parking.”
He said he doesn’t see many installed “maybe because these accidents, [like the one in Ajman] don’t happen often, but when incidents happen at times, it brings different changes, which are for better safety. This is the right time for them.”
Ajman Police also announced that it has put in place an awareness programme to curb the spread and distribution of images or clips that harm security or the dignity of people.
Brig Al Nuaimi said that the police held a number of discussions and studies following the recent accident.
Brig Al Nuaimi said that these discussions and studies were carried out following investigations at the accident site and an analysis of the severity of damage caused by the crash, as well as the negative impact of distributing images and clips of the crash on social networking sites.
— With inputs by WAM
