Sharjah: The police have stepped up patrols on key roads in the emirate to reduce accidents and ensure smooth traffic flow.

Traffic jams are usually seen during Ramadan as people rush home for iftar. Sharjah Police’s Traffic and Patrols Department has put a comprehensive road plan in place to deploy patrols.

Colonel Abdullah Mubarak Bin Amer, Director-General of Central Operations at Sharjah Police, said that the traffic department is making all efforts to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and a reduction in accidents and violations that are mainly committed during Ramadan.

“To ensure all roads are safe we have intensified our patrols on highways, intersections, roundabouts, shopping areas and crowded areas in all parts of Sharjah city to maintain safety and security.”

“We are also using traffic patrols to regulate entry and exit to and from mosque parking lots during prayer times. Our main objective is the reduction of all negative phenomenon and the negative behaviour of some motorists who cause traffic delays to other road users.”

He also pointed out that the police have launched a campaign titled “Safe Ramadan” to raise awareness on what to do on the roads and what to avoid during the holy month.

Col Bin Amer pointed out that police will intensify neighbourhood patrols in various parts of the emirate of Sharjah, especially in the evening, to monitor the security situation and to assist members of the public.

Col Bin Amer appealed to community members to exercise caution and not to let their children go out of the house, especially before iftar, to prevent traffic accidents near residential buildings, on internal roads and in public parks.

Colonel Bin Amer urged all motorists and members of the public to abide by the specific speed limit and comply with rules such as leaving enough distance between vehicles.

He also said that legal action will be taken against people who hamper traffic flow, particularly near mosques at prayer time.

He said police officers will work in shifts to ensure optimal staff levels to monitor roads and ensure the safety of road users.